Source: Interfax-Religioin
December 21, 2015
The Russian Orthodox Church is one of the main recipients of presidential grants, says the report of the the Center for Economic and Political Reforms, published on its website.
According to the report, at least 63 grants were allotted for Orthodox activities in 2013-2015, totaling to $3.6 million, received by various departments of the Moscow Patriarchate and related organizations.
In particular, in the given period the Synodal Department for Religious Education and Catechism received $415,000, various dioceses - $332,000, the interregional "Orthodox Youth" public organization - $238,000, the Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra - $134,000, the Sretensky Theological Seminary in Moscow - $136,000, and the charity Fund of St. John of Kronstadt - $98,000.
Grantees include dozens of other regional and federal public organizations close to the Church, such as the "Religious Studies Research Center," the Union of Orthodox Citizens, etc. While the majority are located in Moscow, a number of grants were also awarded to regional Orthodox organizations, the report states.
According to the reporters, 'Orthodox' grants support state policy. About $28,600 was directed to the Orthodox youth information agency "Faith and Works" and the formation of patriotically-minded bloggers through its resources. About $114,000 was granted to the educational readings "Prince Vladimir: Russia's Civilizational Choice" in honor of the reunion of Crimea with Russia.
