Vladimir Rozanskij

Solidarity with Patriarch Kirill on his name day. The problem of the use of the choir in the liturgy. Metropolitan Ilarion: There is perhaps a biological and bio-psychological warfare to control people. Bishop Irinej of Orsk: The epidemic is one of the signs of the advent of the Antichrist. Four Sisters of Mother Teresa infected with the coronavirus.

Kirill has also decided to intervene to resolve a sexual harassment scandal involving two young bishops. However, many accuse the patriarch of "abuse of power", and of having waited for the pandemic crisis to operate a "settlement of accounts" within the hierarchy.

Churches and monasteries are among the most affected by the pandemic. Series of deaths at Lavra di St. Sergius, Novospasskij and Donskoj in Moscow, and at the patriarchal one of St. Daniel. Among the clergy and monks there are "denialists" ("it is not possible to get infected inside churches"). Many churches and monasteries remained open so as not to miss the indispensable offerings of the faithful. Patriarchate seeks new measures to support priests in economic difficulties. Support for widows of priests who have died of the virus.

Ceremony marks the end of the construction of the Church of the Russian Armed Forces, dedicated to the Resurrection of Christ. Its inauguration has been postponed until after the COVID-19 pandemic. Stalin's face has been replaced by an inscription praising victory. An icon stands in lieu of Putin’s face. For one observer, the church is an example of “monumental paganism”.

Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov (of Islamic profession) and the Mufti Rushan Abbasov, first vice-president of the Islamic Council of Russia among the most enthusiastic supporters of the Day of Prayer and Fasting launched by the High Committee of Human Fraternity and supported by the Pope. Support also from many Orthodox priests, Protestant Christians and Jews. The death of priests and monks continues in the Orthodox Church. An "anti-virus" cross.

At least 250 thousand cases (120 thousand only in Moscow). Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov is also infected. Many deaths among Orthodox monks and priests. Protective masks made with the leaves of the sacred Nim tree, the so-called "pharmacy tree". The mantras blessed by the Dalai Lama. Buddhists implemented quarantine before indications from civil authorities.

Putin: No to a "rancid and moldy" patriotism, but "to dedicate yourself to the development of your country". Kirill: "The heroic commitment to serve and help each other, as the soldiers on the battlefield of the Great Patriotic War did." The Orthodox faith in Stalin's time and in the struggle against Nazism. Death continues due to coronavirus in the clergy of the Orthodox church.

No Victory Day parades to mark defeat of Nazism, due to the coronavirus. The only ex-Soviet country to celebrate solemnly is Belarus. President Lukashenko is dismissive of the epidemic. He is called "the suicidal president". The death of monks, bishops and deacons continues in the Russian Orthodox Church.

The country - along with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan - was part of the "Mongolian triangle of denial ", which said it could not be touched. So far there are 230 cases and three deaths. A hospital for Covid-19 patients with 3 thousand beds is under construction. Aid from all over the world is requested, but above all from the former Soviet "solidarity". Censorship in the press.

Russia ranks seventh in the virus statistics, outperforming China, Iran and Turkey. On May 3, the former metropolitan of Astrakhan, Iona (Karpukhin) Fr. Dmitrij Vetoshkin (from Kuban, south of the country), fell ill with coronavirus by distributing communion to the infected. Many priests are in financial straits, struggling to support their families. Criticisms of Patriarch Kirill.

Putin has promised a more spectacular than usual “air parade”. The Immortal Regiment (Bessmertniy Polk) association will hold an online march. The solemn inauguration of the Great Church of the Armed Forces has been postponed to either 24 June or 3 September. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has tested positive for the coronavirus.

All the main hierarchical structures of the Russian Orthodox Church are grappling with “corona" problems: Moscow, Kiev, Minsk, many other large cities, the main monasteries, seminaries and theological academies. Priests who disobey the measures decided by the Church risk suspension or reduction to a lay state. A novice from Saint Sergius, who found himself positive for the virus, set himself on fire. President Vladimir Putin's confidence level drops to 28.3%.