Latest Religion News from Russia

Relics of Saint Spyridon Arrive in SaratovThe relics of Saint Spyridon of Trimythous have been brought to Saratov, where they will remain for two weeks for veneration by the faithful.

Apr 21, 2026

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February 1: Makariy the Spring Harbinger and clothing prohibitionsFebruary 1 is known as Makariy the Spring Harbinger in the folk calendar, a day rich in omens for predicting weather and ensuring well-being.

Mar 9, 2026

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Ar-Rakhim Mosque facade work set for 2026, mufti saysMufti Aynur Birgalin of Bashkortostan reports that facade work on the Ar-Rakhim Mosque in Ufa is underway and targeted for completion in 2026, with exterior lighting to follow.

Mar 8, 2026

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Orthodox Exhibition-Fair in Kurgan: What's Available for Purchase?The 'Kind Light of Christmas' Orthodox exhibition-fair is open in Kurgan until February 1, offering unique items and spiritual experiences.

Mar 1, 2026

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Elder of Our Time: Northerners Recall Priest Yevgeny SokolovYevgeny Sokolov, a priest from Arkhangelsk, transitioned from software engineering to spiritual mentorship, with his life marked by the Shiyes protests and service at a university church.

Feb 24, 2026

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Well-known priest Protopriest Yevgeny Sokolov dies in ArkhangelskHe led a church located within the Northern (Arctic) Federal University (NArFU). The cause of death was cancer.

Feb 22, 2026

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Cleansing ritual at Chita datsan ahead of SagaalganA ritual bonfire called Dugzhuuba will be lit at the Chita datsan on February 16 to purge evil spirits, diseases, and past year's troubles before the Sagaalgan festival.

Feb 22, 2026

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Pavlov's Day: Folk beliefs and the danger of envyOn January 28, the Orthodox Church honors St. Paul of Thebes, a day linked to folk omens, weather predictions, and traditions discouraging envy.

Feb 20, 2026

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Burned Nyagan mosque won't be restored; new one under constructionThe burned El-Bayram mosque in Nyagan will not be restored as a new mosque is 90% complete, with a temporary prayer space arranged for believers, Mayor Ivan Yamashev said.

Feb 19, 2026

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Great Lent 2026: Dates, Meaning, and RulesIn 2026, Great Lent for Orthodox Christians will last from February 23 to April 11. This period is dedicated not only to dietary restrictions but also to spiritual purification.

Feb 15, 2026

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Great Lent in 2026: When It Begins and What Not to DoGreat Lent for Orthodox Christians in 2026 starts on February 23 and emphasizes spiritual preparation beyond dietary restrictions.

Feb 15, 2026

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Voronezh soap 'Rus' renamed over halal scandalA member of Russia's Human Rights Council sparked outrage after noticing halal certification on soap named 'Rus', leading to its renaming.

Feb 14, 2026

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WWII Veteran and Concentration Camp Survivor Natalia Portnenkova Dies in OrskNatalia Portnenkova, a 98-year-old World War II veteran and former prisoner of a concentration camp, has passed away in the Russian city of Orsk. She was an honorary citizen of the city.

Feb 14, 2026

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Why you shouldn’t mistreat cats on January 26We explain the signs and beliefs associated with this folk date, which was a day for staying indoors and observing felines for clues about the weather and health.

Feb 12, 2026

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Easter and Trinity 2026: Complete Orthodox Holiday DatesIn 2026, Easter falls on April 12, with a series of Orthodox holidays leading up to and following it, including Palm Sunday and Trinity.

Feb 12, 2026

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Saint Tatiana Church at OSU Celebrates 25th AnniversaryThe building was constructed according to the design of Professor Viktor Bondarenko, who headed Orenburg State University from 1989 to 2006.

Feb 10, 2026

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Priest discusses why Epiphany ice bathing is marginalFather Alexei Yazyev, a priest in Krasnoyarsk Krai, explains his view that Epiphany ice swimming is a marginal tradition and addresses common misconceptions.

Feb 6, 2026

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Grigory the Summer Foreteller: Why Complaining is Forbidden on January 23We explore the folk signs and traditions associated with January 23, known as Grigory the Summer Foreteller day.

Feb 1, 2026

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From Truck Driver Dream to Priest: A Spiritual JourneyFather Mikhail discusses his childhood, the meaning of holy water, and why true believers know no fear in this detailed conversation.

Jan 29, 2026

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Filippov Day: Why Laziness Is Prohibited on January 22January 22 is Filippov Day in the folk calendar, dedicated to St. Philip of Moscow. Traditions on this day encourage productivity and include omens for the future.

Jan 28, 2026

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Maslenitsa 2026 Dates Set for February 16-22Maslenitsa, the pre-Lenten festival, will be observed from February 16 to 22, 2026. The celebration precedes Great Lent, which begins on February 23 after Easter on April 12.

Jan 24, 2026

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Saratov Welcomes Relics of Saint Matrona, Sought for Fertility PrayersIn Saratov, a crowd gathered at a church to venerate the relics of Saint Matrona, but many were there primarily to collect Epiphany water.

Jan 23, 2026

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20,000 Brave Frost to Plunge into Epiphany Ice Holes in OrenburgIn the Orenburg region, Epiphany bathing on January 18 and 19 saw around 20,000 people participate, with no incidents reported despite temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F).

Jan 22, 2026

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Three Buddhist Temples in Zabaikalye to Mark Anniversaries in 2026Three datsans, or Buddhist temples, in Russia's Zabaikalye region will celebrate major anniversaries in 2026, which has been declared the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia.

Jan 21, 2026

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Epiphany ice bathing in Ryazan draws enthusiastic participantsOn the night of January 18-19, residents and visitors gathered at Orekhovoye Lake in Ryazan for the annual Epiphany ice bathing ritual. Many sought spiritual renewal or to test their limits in the frigid waters.

Jan 20, 2026

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