January 21, 2026

To Avoid Infanticide


To Avoid Infanticide
A place for prayer, reflection, and activism. Anton Unitsyn / @unitsyn

In recent years, Christmas Day in Russia (celebrated on January 7) has been accompanied by official speeches about so-called Russian spiritual and moral values and the traditional family. But this year, for the first time, Christmas services were followed by anti-abortion services, which took place a few days later.

“Any murder is terrible, but when they kill babies, it is especially terrible,” said Novosibirsk and Berdsk Metropolitan Nikodim during the liturgy, “but it should be even more terrible for us
when they kill those who have not even been born yet. This is the murder of our future, the future of our country and of every family."

According to state-run newspaper Kommersant, this year a similar prayer service was held in at least 15 regions, from southern Russia to the Far East.

The Moscow Diocese reported that, going forward, abortion-related prayer services will be held in all Russian Orthodox churches on January 11, a date in the church calendar that coincides with the Massacre of the Innocents.

But the news reports did not reveal anything about public opinion on the change. Yet one article was unexpectedly supplemented by a rather harsh video about domestic violence: "What's going on with the rights of women in Russia?" Which raises questions and made it seem as if the journalist or editor responsible for the article made a bold gesture to show their true opinion on the matter.

You Might Also Like

A Patriarch by Any Other Name
  • May 25, 2025

A Patriarch by Any Other Name

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church has another legal name that's useful for filing taxes, avoiding sanctions, and more.
The Patriarch's Abortion Prevention
  • October 22, 2024

The Patriarch's Abortion Prevention

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill will send letters to pregnant women in 16 regions to dissuade them from receiving abortion care.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

The Samovar Murders
November 01, 2019

The Samovar Murders

The murder of a poet is always more than a murder. When a famous writer is brutally stabbed on the campus of Moscow’s Lumumba University, the son of a recently deposed African president confesses, and the case assumes political implications that no one wants any part of.

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

Little Golden Calf
February 01, 2010

Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955