Children of the schism

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. 

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. 

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? 

Father Nikolay Stremsky has built an Orthodox village outside of Orenburg and opened his home to 70 children. We meet the priest and his adopted offspring, who have come from all walks of life and have become the family project of this modern-day miracle-worker.

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

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.

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

Follow the monks' white path through the unending plains of Kalmykia.