Russia tightens security during Easter festivities

Moscow, Apr 7 (UNI) Russia has tightened security across the country during the Easter festivities.

First Deputy Russian Interior Minister Alexander Chekalin told reporters more than 90,000 police and interior troops have been deployed to ensure law and order tomorrow during Easter.

''Tonight, temples and adjoining territories will be checked by police officers with dogs, and posts will be set up there,'' Mr Chekalin said, adding that police patrols will be placed near cemeteries, because many people traditionally visit them during Easter.

This year, Russian Orthodox Church believers and Russia's 600,000-strong Roman Catholic community are celebrating Easter together.

Easter celebrations among Orthodox and Catholic believers are falling on the same date, according to the Julian and Gregorian calendars.

Festive Easter services will be conducted in all Orthodox and Catholic churches tonight and tomorrow.

In Moscow alone, festivities will be held in 243 churches. The largest crowds of church-goers is expected to gather at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, St Daniel Monastery and the Epiphany Cathedral.

The Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II in his Easter message congratulated Christians on the occasion, and called on every believer to strengthen their families.

''You must take special care of your families to make them strong and harmonious, capable of raising new generations in the spirit of truth and honour,'' the Patriarch said.

UNI