Alexander the Third supported the Russification of national minorities and helped extend the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church into all parts of Russian life.
The archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, the spiritual head of the worldwide anglican church is making a groundbreaking visit to Moscow to meet the leader of Russian orthodox church.
But Lukianov emphasizes the Russian Orthodox Church in Russia is doing a lot of good as well, including building and restoring churches and monasteries.
The Russian presidential spokesman has defended the decision to sack the head of the Siberian theatre because his opera production offended the Russian Orthodox Church.