The Russian Orthodox Church has announced the installation of surveillance systems in Russian temples.
As head of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Legal Department, Hegumeness Ksenia (Chernega), told the Interfax agency, the cameras would be placed “with due account for the internal regulations of a religious organization,” making it clear that no cameras will be installed in the confessionals or the altars.
Hegumeness Xenia also said that the cameras could be switched off at certain times, such as during the baptism or wedding, following the decision by the local hierarch.
The cameras will be installed in Russian temples according to a government resolution in an effort to protect religious sites from terrorist attacks.