Orthodox priest blesses Russian missile system
The new 'Triumph' S-400 missile system introduced by Russia received a sprinkling of holy water by Russian Orthodox priest on national TV. Fears are raised of alliance of state and church.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
By Ekklesia

Russia has deployed a new weapons defence system in a ceremony which included an Orthodox priest ‘blessing’ the new Russian S-400 Triumph missile with holy water in a broadcast on national television news.

The event highlights the close identification of church and state in post-Soviet Russia – an alliance which has been a cause of concern to other Christians, to people of minority faith and those of no religious beliefs.

The surface-to-air missile upgrades the previous S-300 system with stronger rocket engines and an improved guidance system, say military analysts. the rest