Bishop Theophylact of Pyatigorsk Interviewed on Orthodoxy in Turkmenistan

Bishop Theophylact of Pyatigorsk and the Orthodox Church in Circassia, administrator of the patriarchal Russian Orthodox parishes in Turkmenistan, has granted an interview on the status of the Orthodox Church in Turkmenistan. Overall the situation seems to be improving, with the parishes coming under the direct authority of the Moscow Patriarchate, Orthodox Christian religious literature being allowed into the country, and several new parishes currently in the process of being registered with the Turkmenistani government.

During the interview Bishop Theophylact also discussed his recent pastoral visit to Turkmenistan over Pascha and the ongoing efforts to translate the divine services into Turkmen. More (in Russian) here.

Turkmenistan Eases Restrictions on Orthodox Church

Turkmenistan has lifted a ban on the Russian Orthodox Church's import of religious literature into the country and has also restarted the planning process for the construction of the Cathedral of the Resurrection in the country's capital Ashgabat. More here.