In Russia, reading, 'riting and religion

In the name of cultural unity, school officials say, Orthodox Christian classes are needed to assimilate immigrant children.
By Megan K. Stack
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
June 23, 2008

KOSTROVO, RUSSIA -- Today they would learn about drawing, Russian Orthodox saints and God. The 7-year-olds sat straight at their desks, sun pouring through lace curtains and cherry trees blooming in the fields beyond. The teacher set a birch branch before the children and told them it was fragile and unique, just like their souls.

"If you think you can't draw properly, who will help you?" she asked.

"God will help us," a boy called out. the rest