A point of caution regarding the churches...the Russian Orthodox have been very aggressive...with active government support in suppressing other forms of Christian worship not inimical to its own style. They argue that only "Russian historical cultural" styles of Russian Christianity (ie Russian Orthodox) should be allowed to hold sway in Russia. Baptists get a bit of a pass, but protestant groups in general find it tough going in terms of being licensed or allowing their literature in country.
I read a very interesting quote by a Moscow Orthodox cleric yesterday...something about indoctrinating the children to the smell of the barracks and soldiering.