[flighter]

I don't know about Russia, but in Serbia, Orthodox church is supported by honest followers (small donations), and by... let's call it, controversial business people, who seek forgiveness for what they did, by those who seek more publicity by supporting church... I believe that it is not any different in Russia.

As for who supports this man and his efforts, it is difficult to tell. A big nation like Russia, with Russian Orthodox Church, can easily afford that. In past centuries many missionaries went to Africa, Central and South America, spreading their beliefs without any obvious material gains, so I would not want to suggest in any way that this has any material background.

I was referring more to psychological aspect of it.

p.s. Thanks a lot for the photo and the link. It's amazing... look like a distant outpost... piece of human civilization on another planet.