Nina Achmatova

Elected yesterday by the Synod of Bishops, his enthronement is scheduled for August 17. Kiev Patriarchate: this marks end of any dialogue to create a single Ukrainian Church detached from Moscow.

Tonight Vladimir's successor will be chosen. The late primate passed away on 5 July. His replacement will receive the blessing of Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow. Many fear political meddling in the selection of candidates. Bishop Onufry, locum tenens of Kyiv, and Metropolitan Alexander, a friend of President Poroshenko, are among the leading contenders.

Mystery surrounds Putin's statement during his meeting with Jewish leaders describing Nazi leader Goebbels as a "talented man".

The Assembly of bishops is set to meet on 13 August. Moscow wants to prevent the proclamation of autocephaly and unity with the Orthodox Church of Kyiv. Ukrainian politicians might weigh into the debate. Candidates include Metropolitan of Chernivtsi and Bukovina Onufry, Metropolitan Aleksandr (Drabinko), and Metropolitan Simeon of Vinnitsa.

Petro Poroshenko is an Orthodox Christian. The Russian Orthodox primate wants friendly relations with Ukrainian authorities, concerned about the uncertain future of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate, which is becoming increasingly "autonomous". Kirill describes Greek Catholics as Russophobes.

The Kremlin's chief is coming accompanied by a large delegation representing 46 companies, including Russia's oil and gas giants. Moscow hopes to sign a long-awaited contract for gas supplies from Siberia to China with deals in 40 other priority areas in the pipeline. Ukraine will also be discussed.

Activists and journalists denounce a climate of fear and lawlessness in the region. A Ukrainian soldier and a Tatar activist are killed. Belarusian writer Svyatlana Aleksiyevich warns that Putin, amid fears of war, is stirring the baser instincts of the population.

As Patriarch Filaret is praying for Ukraine's "liberation from the occupiers," Moscow Orthodox fear expulsion from the Ukraine. Whilst recognising Ukraine's right to self-determination, the Moscow Patriarchate remains under Putin's influence. Crimea's invasion resembles Nazi Germany's Anschluss of Austria.

Russian Orthodox primate’s appeal - read out in all the churches of the Patriarchate of Moscow – arrives after the violence on Maidan Square and the complete change in the political situation: Tymoshenko is released, a new interim president appointed, presidential elections scheduled for May 25. For now, Russia limits itself to freezing financial aid and keeping a close watch.

Experts from the Sova center denounce the escalation of attacks against religious minorities. On November 25 Tagarong trial opens against 16 Jehovah's Witnesses accused of extremism for continuing to pray and read the Bible together, after the ban on the community decided by the Russian Supreme Court in 2009.