I am sorry to say this but this is in extremely bad taste! The Russian Orthodox Church needs to stay out of trivial things such inserting itself in sport competitions- and besides- are all those competing for Russia in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games of the Russian Christian Orthodox faith? Russia needs draw a clear line between the private sphere of the Church, faith and civil society and that of the public realm of secular activities.

Katrina, nobody's obliged to go to the Church to get a blessing, especially if they're not Christians. It's only for those who want. And yes, some people may think it's a bad taste to go to the Church, but the others may find gay parades, for instance, a bad taste for them, and gays should draw a clear line between the private sphere of their bedroom, sexual preferences and civil society.

A wise person will attempt to have all the abilities within them to draw upon in being the most prepared for success. Spiritualism is one of the most significant things that brings wisdom and strength for success. It seems Russia is trying to prepare, in a Good Way, the whole Country for success. Humility gained through Spiritualism is a strong factor assisting those during competition with an opponent. I wish the Russian Olympic Team success, along with other participants who have found the humility of a Higher Being. There will always be those from around the world who believe in their own mind they are the best, alone. Read the everyday events, and what is in the headlines, greed, lust; the need to have more - but in the end we can only drink and eat so much. What does history teach us of Countries or Empires such as Caeser/Rome, Hitler/Germany, etc. that lost the humility of life. With hope for the future to all.........

It's like when my grandpa gives me a hug before I leave out the door.

Different strokes for different folks. Everyone needs to be able to do their own thing, within reason.

Watcher I think this is a misguided gesture in many levels. The church could and shold bless the faithful but it must stay away from inserting itself in things which are too trivial for God to bestow his favour! To be brutally franks, this is something which religious leaders should avoid.

Watcher I have no idea what makes you think "the private sphere" is about the "Bed Room and Sexual preference" as such. I am speaking about these two domains- the private and the public- according to analysis of the social contract theorists! And according this my understanding civil society, the public and the private domains, it is unsettling for the Church to get involved in blessing high performance athletes