RELIGIOUS REVIVAL IN YAKUTIA

President of Yakutia Mikhail Nikolayev spoke to 'Trud' August 6 on his opinion of the religious revival in his land. He was positive of the Kut-Syur philosophical society which is busy spreading the Yakutian religious faith.- 'It would be incorrect to see the religion of the people of Sakha only as Shamanism, said he, - The main component of the Yakutian religion is the concept of aiyhy, the divine creators led by Yuryun Aiyhy Toyon (the Bright Master Creator), that together with the idea of the total spiritual character of Mother Nature.'

The president described shamans as 'extrasensory perception masters of the highest class and religious leaders all in one'.

When Patriarch Alexy II made a visit to Yakutia July 23, the republic authorities included shaman dances into the official reception ceremony, 'invoking surprise on the part of the Primate of the ROC', according to the NTV.

NEO-PAGANS HOLDING FESTIVAL IN TOMBOV

The 'Russian Spirit' neo-Pagan festival was held August 7-18, sponsored by the Borsek sporting association aided by the city committee for youth organizations.

The festival included Slavic-Goritskaya and other martial art contests, a show of Russian folk costumes and musical folk performances.

The pre-Christian Slavic god Perun and other early gods were worshipped.