Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Sunday

Religion & Ethics

A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week

BBC Radio 4 FM

Sunday: Religion in Russia Special

sunday_moscow_e_050615_chloe-bell.jpg

07/06/2015

Religion in Russia Special

BBC Radio 4 - Sunday, Religion in Russia Special

Sunday morning religious news and current affairs programme presented by Caroline Wyatt.

Caroline Wyatt presents Sunday from Moscow. As President Putin announces a visit to Pope Francis, Caroline explores some of the issues that affect faith groups in Russia today.

This week's edition of Sunday comes from Moscow as Caroline Wyatt explores some of the stories and issues that affect faith groups in Russia.

As President Putin announces he will meet Pope Francis, Kevin Bocquet reports on the complex historical relationship between the Vatican, the Russian State and the Orthodox Church.

This is Putin's first visit to the Vatican since the crisis in Ukraine. Anna Nemtsova, Moscow correspondent for Newsweek, assesses the significance of the meeting.

It's said that the history of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour reflects the story of Russia. Caroline takes a tour and discovers its extraordinary story.

Pinchas Goldschmidt is the Chief Rabbi of Moscow and President of the Conference of European Rabbis. He talks to Caroline about the place of the Jewish community in Russia today.

In the Orthodox church, prayers are still sung in the same language used when Christianity arrived in Russia hundreds of years ago. Oleg Boldyrev hears some of the choirs keeping their religious heritage alive.

There are over a million Muslims in Moscow but only four Mosques. Almaz Shakirov, from the Muftis Council of Russia, explains how this situation has come about and why it is so difficult for new mosques to be built.

What is the relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and the State and how has it changed? Journalist Konstantin von Eggert and Vakhtang Kipshidze from the Russian Orthodox Church debate.

Contributors:
Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt
Almaz Shakirov
Anna Nemtsova
Professor Zorbov
Father Makariy
Konstantin von Eggert
Vakhtang Kipshidze

Producers:
Carmel Lonergan
David Cook

Series Producer:
Amanda Hancox.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Sunday

Religion in Russia Special

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4