Thanks annalex. Very good and touching narrative--appreciate this !
One thing--for quite a long time, Vatican was also an oppressive force when it has too much political power. When politics and religion mix too much or get too closely intertwined, the best of religion (Catholic, Orthodox, etc.) is substituted by dirty political games. Vatican persecution of scientists or free thinkers in middle and to lesser extent renaissance age are perfect examples. With proper division of responsibilities between Church and State instead of complete separation among them, Church can become a moral force for good in the society. When church cannot use state power to coerce people to join it or discriminate against those outside of church, it naturally becomes a moral force instead of rude political power. When Russian Government and Orthodox Church of Russia will find a proper balance of power among them--what is for Church and what is for State--then Russian Orthodox Church will become a genuine force for good.
Maybe one of these days we shall discuss that "persecution of scientists or free thinkers" myth.
If it were not for the Catholic Church, there would be no scientists or free thinkers to begin with.