Kalmykia: the monk's white path. The only European Buddhist republic, situated in Russia

Ziona Chana is head of the largest family in the world, leader of a religious commune in India and, according to some, he’s God himself. Hundreds of followers pray to him and worship him as an immortal deity. RT Doc visits the polygamous “New Generation” cult he founded at the foot of the Himalayas. 

Resisting civilization’s impact has been their way of life for centuries. Their ancestors had immigrated to Latin America, but they have returned to Russia. Are they thriving in their newfound motherland?

A cathedral founded on pure faith and its creator who’s dedicated more than 50 years of his life to building it. 91-year-old Don Justo, of the small Spanish town of Mejorada del Campo, is a former monk. On a whim and a dream he decided to build a monumental house of God and since 1961, he’s been doing just that using scrap, recycled building materials and as much good will as he can find.

A modern young couple is on a mission to explore and understand the life of the breakaway group, the Dukhobors - a community with their own views on orthodox religion, who reject all church rituals and think there's no need for anything - priests, or temples - between a person and God. 

Egypt’s Coptic Christian community endures amidst chaos and violence, as its members are killed and its churches are burned.

From all over the former Soviet Union and beyond they came to a remote Siberian mountain to hear a message of brotherly love and spiritual unity. Many sold up their homes and adopted a vegan and pastoral life, following would-be messiah who calls himself “Vissarion”. Some say he leads his followers along a path of righteousness, or does he really lead them astray? 

The Velikoretsky Procession of the Cross; the oldest, longest and by far the biggest of many in Russia. Meet some of the Orthodox devotees and delve into what motivates them to take part in this challenging and demanding pilgrimage.

Religion an education here are inseparable. Enlightenment isn't possible without knowledge, inner peace - without hard work, joy - without prayer.