Moscow - Patriarch Kirill I was formally installed as new head of the Russian Orthodox Church Sunday at an elaborate ceremony in Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Saviour attended by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev.
Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad succeeded Patriarch Alexiy II, who died in December, to become the 16th leader of the church following his election by the Church Council last week.
Kirill, 62, is regarded as a relatively liberal leader who is well-known through television appearances, and observers say he will be looked to by millions to help the Orthodox Church play a greater role in Russian life increasingly beset by economic hardship.
Moscow - Farmers in Russia's Far East have outfitted their heifers with special furry bras to protect their udders as temperatures hit 50 degrees below zero.
Moscow - The chief executive of German engineering giant Siemens said Tuesday the company was considering a cooperation with Russia's Atomenergoprom in the civilian nuclear industry after a break-up of its partnership with France's Areva. 
Moscow - Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, has assured the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that his government remains fully committed to financing the 
Moscow - In the first visit of a Cuban leader to Moscow since the fall of the former Soviet Union, President Raul Castro and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed several agreements Friday to boost their countries' relations.
