I recently stumbled upon an interesting report about a group of Orthodox ascetics, living deep in the Russian hinterlands, who have adopted an iconographic image of Vladimir Putin in its religious rituals.

“In a previous lifetime, Putin was the apostle Paul, — reported the Mother. — But the president and I have a long-standing spiritual connection. In another life he was the prince Vladimir, and I the princess Olga.  In yet another hypostasis he was Solomon,  and I — the queen of Sheba,” – declared the head of the believers, who goes by the name of Mother Photinia (on her passport — Svetlana Frolova). [It should be noted that the mainstream Russian Orthodox Church does not believe in reincarnation and never has–Trans.]

Specially for the parishioners in the church they publish a newspaper «Temple of light». On the pages of this publication one can read exclusive «interviews» with the apostle Paul, Seraphim of Sarov, and even the Virgin Mary herself. Likewise here are constantly voiced not only the addresses of «the spiritual personage» Photinia to Putin and Alexiy II <> [He was still alive then–G.P.], but also the replies of these highly-placed persons. The novices are convinced that the president and the patriarch personally support their abbess.