After years of being silenced by the State, the Russian Orthodox Church is about to take revenge by making Theology a recognised academic discipline.

      The first step has already been undertaken: a faculty of Theology may soon be opened at the Moscow Institute of Physical Research (MIFI) - one of the few institutions that study and foster the cosmic science. The announcement has brought forward many jokes on the subject. 

      Several more Theology faculties are expected to be open at other high education institutions in Moscow. It should be noted, on another hand, that the Moscow State University has for several years been running a special Centre for the Studies in the History of Church that is particularly charged with the publication of the Russian Orthodox Encyclopaedia.