Thousands pray in defence of Russian Orthodox Church in controversy over jailed punk rockers
MOSCOW - Thousands have gathered at Moscow's main cathedral to pray for the defence of the Russian Orthodox Church.
The Christ the Savior Cathedral was the scene of a brief surprise performance in February by a female punk rock group protesting Vladimir Putin's return to the presidency. Three members of the band remain in police custody and face up to seven years in jail on charges of hooliganism.
Their harsh treatment has provoked a public outcry and led to criticism of the church, a powerful institution with close ties to the Kremlin.
Patriarch Kirill has portrayed the punk performance as part of a broader attack on the church. He called on worshippers at Sunday's service to pray "for our faith, our church, our sacred objects and our fatherland."
