'Satanism flourishing in Russia'
No arrests in vandalism at Murmansk church
Posted: October 24, 20051:00 a.m. Eastern

Satanism is running rampant throughout Russia, according to a priest at a Murmansk church defaced by vandals.

Earlier this month, according to an Interfax report, the Church of the Savior-on-the-Waters, built in memory of lost seamen was targeted with Satanic symbols and animal blood.

"We are alarmed with the increased activity of the Satanists in the city," said Rev. Andrei, the rector of the Orthodox church. "We think that they perpetrated the sacrilege of the church."

The priest said young people with inverted crosses on their breasts were often observed in the church.

"Satanism is flourishing in our country and can be seen not only in the painting of church buildings by young people," said the priest. "For example, a cross has been erected recently on the hill in Vidyaevo (a military settlement of the North Fleet submariners), but was sacriliged the next day." The rest