On average, three new churches are opening in Russia every day as the influence of Orthodox Christianity in the country grows.
Church leaders hope to transform one small town north of Moscow into a 'Russian Vatican' - at a time when President Putin is embracing the Church.
Harry Horton reports.
IN: "With its golden..."
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DUR: 3"00
GENERIC: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0709-VATICAN-HH-GEN.mp3
With its golden domes and towering white walls, the Trinity Lavra of Saint Sergius monastery is the spiritual home of orthodox Russian christianity.
Millions of tourists snake their way inside the complex each year - but the monastery could soon engulf much of the surrounding town of Sergiev Posad.
The town's mayor and church officials want to spend 2.2 billion dollars on restructuring the area into the heart of Russia's orthodox church.
But locals we spoke to are divided on the ambitious plan.
<<TAKE VOXES>>
"God is with us, God is everywhere. We're all for it. Let the money come, it's not that much money. And it's worth it."
"We have many needy people that they could give that money to, or build good roads, or homes like the ones we used to get for free. They could spend money on that. I don't think that it's a great idea by our government."
The Kremlin will provide at least ninety percent of the funding for this project. With increasing support from the state, Russia's orthodox church has rarely had such a bright future. But there are politics at play here too. A strong church supports a strong Russian state. And that's all good news for President Vladimir Putin.
When Pope Francis welcomed President Putin to the Vatican earlier this month, it was seen as a clash of cultures.
While Pope Francis has embraced liberalism, Russia's President has championed the social conservatism of the orthodox church to help solidify his support base.
(PICS: ANDREY SETUP)
Back in Sergiev Posad, local blogger Andrey Trofimov shows us where an influx of cash could be used to repair old buildings and fix damaged roads.
He supports the monastery project, but says it's a clear sign of Putin's close ties to the church.
<<TAKE SOT: Andrey Trofimov, Blogger>>
'I think they have mutually beneficial relationship, because the church fully supports the politics of government and promotes humility and obedience to Vladimir Putin's regime."
(PICS: MONASTERY B ROLL)
Under the old soviet union religion was all but eliminated in Russia. But today the orthodox church is extending its power across the country - and perhaps the President's too.
Harry Horton, Sergiev Posad, Russia.
Church leaders hope to transform one small town north of Moscow into a 'Russian Vatican' - at a time when President Putin is embracing the Church.
Harry Horton reports.
IN: "With its golden..."
OUT: SOC
DUR: 3"00
GENERIC: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0709-VATICAN-HH-GEN.mp3
With its golden domes and towering white walls, the Trinity Lavra of Saint Sergius monastery is the spiritual home of orthodox Russian christianity.
Millions of tourists snake their way inside the complex each year - but the monastery could soon engulf much of the surrounding town of Sergiev Posad.
The town's mayor and church officials want to spend 2.2 billion dollars on restructuring the area into the heart of Russia's orthodox church.
But locals we spoke to are divided on the ambitious plan.
<<TAKE VOXES>>
"God is with us, God is everywhere. We're all for it. Let the money come, it's not that much money. And it's worth it."
"We have many needy people that they could give that money to, or build good roads, or homes like the ones we used to get for free. They could spend money on that. I don't think that it's a great idea by our government."
The Kremlin will provide at least ninety percent of the funding for this project. With increasing support from the state, Russia's orthodox church has rarely had such a bright future. But there are politics at play here too. A strong church supports a strong Russian state. And that's all good news for President Vladimir Putin.
When Pope Francis welcomed President Putin to the Vatican earlier this month, it was seen as a clash of cultures.
While Pope Francis has embraced liberalism, Russia's President has championed the social conservatism of the orthodox church to help solidify his support base.
(PICS: ANDREY SETUP)
Back in Sergiev Posad, local blogger Andrey Trofimov shows us where an influx of cash could be used to repair old buildings and fix damaged roads.
He supports the monastery project, but says it's a clear sign of Putin's close ties to the church.
<<TAKE SOT: Andrey Trofimov, Blogger>>
'I think they have mutually beneficial relationship, because the church fully supports the politics of government and promotes humility and obedience to Vladimir Putin's regime."
(PICS: MONASTERY B ROLL)
Under the old soviet union religion was all but eliminated in Russia. But today the orthodox church is extending its power across the country - and perhaps the President's too.
Harry Horton, Sergiev Posad, Russia.