The Russian Orthodox Religion was founded by Prince Vladimir of Kiev in 988. This religion is shared with several Balkan neighbors and is linked with the Russian Orthodox Church. There are over 5,000 religious associations and the Russian Orthodox Religion accounts for over half the total in Russia.
For centuries, religion has played a very important role in the cultural background of the many different ethnic in Russia. Yet the position of various religious sects and the loyalty of their followers is very dependant on the political unrests in the country. Religious freedom was allowed under the constitution of the former Soviet Union, but many religious activities were strictly limited by the government. Membership in a religious organization and membership in the Communist Party did not go together. Being openly religious was an obstacle on the road to one's success in society. During World War II, openly expressing Christian beliefs was allowed, since the government wanted to gain support of Christian nations in the fight against fascism. But as the war ended, restrictions were once again put on expressing such beliefs. In the recent years, openness and especially the break up of the USSR have provided for far more religious freedom than under the Communist rule, and since then, many people in Russia have been attracted to various religious faiths. The revived Russian nationalism movement has recognized the Russian Orthodox Church as an improvement in Russian culture.
Orthodox believers are monotheism, this means they believe in only one God. They believe the Lord Jesus Christ is the son of God and that Christ is truly man, like us except for sin. Orthodox believers worship the Holy Spirit as Lord who proceeds from the father. .
Baptism and Chritmation are the two sacraments essential to enter into the saving shelter of the Church. Baptism by triple immersion washes away their sins and restores the image of Adam.
