Russia: The Orthodox Connection - People & Power

Under communism the Russian Orthodox Church was suppressed - its property confiscated, its followers ridiculed, harassed and imprisoned. But these days, a resurgent and muscular church is central to President Vladimir Putin’s ideas of Russian identity - an echo chamber, say critics - to Kremlin policies at home and abroad. “Many of Putin’s opponents believe the glowing endorsements and mutual back-slaps the Kremlin and the Orthodox Church give each other these days are contributing to ever more tightly de