Mikhailo-Afonsky monastery

 At the end of the 19th century, there was no monastery larger than that of St. Michael’s Monastery of Mount Athos in the Northern Caucasus. In 1877 the monastery’s location on the slope of Gora Fiziabgo was decided. It was constructed with the help of many hands from people all over the world - following the suggestion of Father Martyrius, the monastery’s first abbot, each pilgrim travelling to the monastery brought a stone with him that would be used to help build the holy structure. Over ten years the monks managed to build an entire religious complex with multiple churches: The Church of the Transfiguration, of the Holy Trinity and of the Assumption as well as churches built in the name of Archangels Michael and Alexandra. A century ago thousands of pilgrims visited St. Michael’s Monastery of Mount Athos every day. After the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 however, the r...

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04:30
Mikhailo-Afonsky monastery
Karachay Horses

People say that Karachay horses are the best breed of climbers. It is on these creatures that people have accomplished several ascents of Europe’s highest peak – Mount Elbrus. Karachay recognised these horses as an independent breed in 1927 when they were introduced into the State Pedigree Book of Mountain Horses. Since that time the breed and its purity has been threatened in many ways. Karachay horses however, have managed to overcome these threats, maintaining a high level of endurance and quality in their work – something unique to them. These horses live in open fields all year round and in summer they climb to heights of up to 3,000 metres above sea level in search of food. RTG TV host Olga Degtyareva got to witness the proud nature of these mountain horses in this new programme.

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Karachay Horses
The parks of Moscow — Sokolniki

Sokolniki Park is often compared to a kind, old acquaintance or a friendship which has passed the test of time. In the 20th century, due to its unique beam layout, Sokolniki received the status of a monument of landscape art. This park strives to preserve the traditions of leisure in Russia’s capital city which has evolved over decades — even centuries. Sokolniki Park is a place where anyone — regardless of age and interests — can find something to do and a place that speaks to them. During Soviet times the park hosted international chess tournaments in which great masters of the game took part and this passion for chess continues today. Those who lead a healthy lifestyle can find a variety of athletic clubs at Sokolniki Park while an amusement park has been built for child audiences. 

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The parks of Moscow — Sokolniki