How Russia turned to medieval saints in its push for ‘traditional values’ – and more babies

The Russian government, with the backing of the Orthodox Church, is intensifying its campaign to promote "traditional values," aiming to bolster family life and encourage higher birth rates. This initiative, which includes invoking medieval saints, seeks to counteract declining population trends. By framing its policies within a traditional, religious context, the government hopes to appeal to conservative values while also subtly reinforcing state control over social norms. This move underscores a broader effort to align national identity with religious and cultural heritage, raising questions about the balance between state influence and individual freedoms.