Culture & Customs

Olympics news, TV schedules, events, medals and more.

A legendary dish made for an unexpected visit of a tsar to a way station, this has since become a favored dish of many Russian restaurants.

This ornate chicken dish, Kurnik Zalikhvatsky, is a once a year type of dish. But one you'll remember all year round.

A gallery of my favorite photographs from St. Petersburg Times photographers Alexander Belenky and Sergey Grachev.  These gentlemen have not published a picture I did not like.  My favorites are those that I feel best showcase their talents and portray Russian life and culture.

Russia and the politics of the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. Also, list of Russian 2002 Olympic hopefuls by sport.

Roast goose with apples is the holiday dish recommended this year.

Canonization, in the Orthodox Church, is different from sainthood in the Catholic Church. Learn how and why individuals are added to the canon and the role this plays in Orthodox spirituality.

The Cross is the universal symbol of Christianity, thanks to Constantine. The Slavic Cross is unique in that it has three, not one, crossbars. Learn the rich symbology of this symbol.

Editor's choice of books about Russian Orthodox Christianity.

Plum preserves is a traditional fall dish served with tea and cakes. Here's an easy recipe as jams go.

Great composers of 20th century Russia. This feature includes four MIDI sound files of well-known works.

The Russian Orthodox Church Council of Bishops voted in favor of canonization of Tsar Nicholas II and family on August 14, 2000.  The ceremony was held in the newly concecrated Christ the Savior Cathedral on Aug. 20.  The cornerstone of the cathedral was placed on Christmas, January 7, 1995.