A privately funded television channel, which has received endorsement from the Russian Orthodox Church, will soon begin broadcasting in Moscow, Russia.
The Russian Orthodox Church has embraced the new channel, which it hopes will offer a distinct alternative to secular television.
A Moscow Patriarchate spokesman, ArchPriest Vsevolod Chaplin called current programming on Russian Television “stupid entertainment, spiritual fast food,” and “intellectual cud,” according to Interfax.
“The most important thing is that an alternative is offered to the dulling and drowsing television,” he added.
The new channel, which will reach 1.2 million people in the capital city has been endorsed by the Patriarch of Moscow and Russia, Alexey II. Over 80 percent of the population is Russian Orthodox.
Archpriest Dimitryiy Sarrnov of the Moscow Patriarchy views the channel as a way to extend Christianity.
“It would be a crime not to use television to spread the word of God,” he told MosNews.
The programs to be aired will include current affairs programs, talk shows and educational shows. The presenters will be representatives of the Orthodox clergy, historians, political analysts and public figures, according to MosNews.
At a press conference for the launch, some journalists asked the presenters gathered if the new channel might offend people of other faiths, such as Muslims or Jews.
Dimitri Smirnov, a priest who will host the “Russian Hour” said other faiths also had the opportunity to create a channel to express their views.
"I don't think it would be a big problem. I would watch it myself with great interest," he said, according to BBC news.
Named Spas (Savior), the channel would be the first Orthodox channel to launch in Moscow. Previously, a channel was launched in Russia’s fifth largest city, Yekatirenburg.
Advertising on the channel will be limited. For example, beer is one product off the list of potential advertisers.
Spas will air for 12 hours a day, eventually increasing to 16 hours per day by the end of the year.
Francis Helguero
Christian Today Correspondent
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