Russian Orthodox Church Continues to Grow

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Original Article from Interfax:

Over 20 new Orthodox churches has opened in Moscow this year

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Moscow, December 12, Interfax – The number of churches and chapels acting in Moscow has increased from 851 to 872 since December 2007, Metropolitan Yuvenaly of Krutistsy and Kolomna told a meeting of the capital’s clergy in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

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He also cited the data saying that about 1838 clergymen are working in the capital today (last year their number equaled to 1770). The Russian Orthodox Church has 157 dioceses (compared to 142 last year), 203 bishops including 149 ruling bishops and 48 vicar bishops. The total number of clergy in the Russian Church equals to 30 670.

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The number of Sunday schools in the dioceses increased by one thousand – from 10 141 to 11 051 while the number of parishes has grown from 27 942 to 29 268.

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Today the Russian Orthodox Church has 804 monasteries, including 142 monasteries and 153 nunneries in the CIS-countries and three monasteries and three nunneries in foreign countries. Also acting are 203 representations and 65 hermitages.

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Besides, there are 25 stauropegial monasteries (under direct subordination to the patriarch).

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The Russian Church Abroad has 16 monasteries and 9 nunneries.

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The number of Russian Orthodox theological schools equals to 87.

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