Changes

====Persecution of Christians in the Soviet Union====

====Persecution of Christians in the Soviet Union====

After the Revolution of 1917, the Bolsheviks undertook a massive program to remove the influence of the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] from the government and [[Russia]]n society, and to make the state [[atheist]]. Thousands of churches were destroyed or converted to other uses, such as warehouses. Monasteries were closed and often converted to prison camps, most notably the Solovetz monastery becoming [[Solovki]] camp. Many members of clergy were imprisoned for anti-government activities. These victims are now recognized as the "[[New Martyrs]]" by the [[Russian Orthodox Church]], the old martyrs being the victims of the [[Roman Empire|Roman]] persecutions. Church property, including the icons and other objects of worship (especially those made of precious metals) was confiscated and put to other uses.

After the Revolution of 1917, the Bolsheviks undertook a massive program to remove the influence of the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] from the government and [[Russia]]n society, and to make the state [[atheist]]. Thousands of churches were destroyed or converted to other uses, such as warehouses. Monasteries were closed and often converted to prison camps, most notably the Solovetz monastery becoming [[Solovki]] camp. Many members of clergy were imprisoned for anti-government activities. These victims are now recognized as the "[[New Martyrs]]" by the [[Russian Orthodox Church]], the old martyrs being the victims of the [[Roman Empire|Roman]] persecutions. Church property, including the icons and other objects of worship (especially those made of precious metals) was confiscated and put to other uses.