Statistics: According to a poll research of the monitoring .ru research group 55% of the Russians believe in God while 33% regard themselves as atheists. The overwhelming majority of the believers (91%) practice orthodoxy. Besides, five percent say they are Muslims. One percent preach Judaism and one percent are Catholics. These figures were supplied by a representative poll of 1,600 respondents living in 200 Russian cities. 53% of the Russians take a positive view of cooperation between the Orthodox and the Catholic Church. 15% are negatively disposed. 56% believe the Church can reconcile all branches of government, whereas 23% are of the opinion that it is powerless in that respect.

Etiquette: Please note that women cover their heads and dress modestly (no shorts, pants, etc.) Men bare their heads. It is appropriate and appreciated if you buy and light candles or otherwise donate to help maintenance and restore the church building.

Churches: There are more than180 church buildings in Moscow. Most have been returned to the Russian Orthodox Church. The most amazing sight in Moscow is the new Church of Christ the Redeemer. Many hold services, while some are museums, cultural centers, or even warehouses. Most have been returned to the Russian Orthodox Church. Included here are both open and closed churches of historical significance. Many churches are in monasteries or cemeteries.

Names: One church can have several names. And the same name has been given to different churches in different areas. Often the location of the church is part of its name. Take note of this when trying to find a church. To help identify a church, we give the traditional English name first, then the Russian name and map location.

Churches with good music: If you are interested in good choral church music, these churches are known for good music Saturday or Sunday evenings.

Abbreviations in this category:
Ch = Church and Ts.= Tserkov
Returned = date church was returned to worshipers or congregation
d.b. = designed by

English translations of Russian church vocabulary:
Blagovernyy = Blessed
Blagoveshchenskiy = Annunciation
Bogoroditsa = Virgin Mother
Bozhey = Virgin Mother
Uspenskiy = of the Assumption
Pokrova = of the Intercession
Voznesenie = Ascension
Lavra = Abbey
Nunnery - for women
Monastery - for men
Rizopolozheniya = Disposition of the Robe
Krestovozdvizhenskaya = of the raising the cross
Rozhdestvo = Nativity
Muchenik = Martyr
Kostel = Chapel
Svyatoy = Saint
Presvyatoy = Saint
Tserkov = Church
Sobor = Cathedral
Ioann Krestitel = John the Baptist