Religion & Temples

1. Что нужно знать перед посещением церкви?

   Chto nu-zhno znat' pe-red po-se-shche-ni-yem tser-kvi?

   What should I know before visiting a church?

   Usage

   Used before visiting a Russian Orthodox church or other religious site to ask about etiquette

   Grammar Note

   "Перед + instrumental" = before. Russian Orthodox church etiquette: women cover their heads, men remove hats, modest dress required.

2. Нужно ли покрывать голову в церкви?

   Nu-zhno li po-kry-vat' go-lo-vu v tser-kvi?

   Is it necessary to cover your head in church?

   Usage

   Used before entering a Russian Orthodox church to check dress code requirements

   Grammar Note

   Russian Orthodox churches require women to wear a "платок" (scarf/headscarf). Many churches lend scarves near the entrance.

3. Можно фотографировать внутри?

   Mozh-no fo-to-gra-fi-ro-vat' vnu-tri?

   May I take photos inside?

   Usage

   Used to check if photography is allowed inside a place of worship

   Grammar Note

   Photography during services is usually forbidden in Russian Orthodox churches. If told "Нельзя" (not allowed), comply immediately.

4. Это православная или католическая церковь?

   E-to pra-vo-slav-na-ya ili ka-to-li-che-ska-ya tser-kov'?

   Is this an Orthodox or Catholic church?

   Usage

   Used to determine the denomination of a church you are visiting

   Grammar Note

   Russia's predominant religion is the Russian Orthodox Church (Русская православная церковь), known for golden domes.

5. Когда начинается служба?

   Kog-da na-chi-na-yet-sya slu-zhba?

   When does the service begin?

   Usage

   Used to ask about the time of a church service

   Grammar Note

   "Начинается" is a reflexive (intransitive) verb meaning "begins". "Заканчивается" = ends. Both are common schedule verbs.

6. Где здесь ближайшая мечеть?

   Gde zdes' bli-zhay-sha-ya me-chet'?

   Where is the nearest mosque here?

   Usage

   Used by Muslim travelers to find a mosque nearby

   Grammar Note

   "Мечеть" is feminine, hence "ближайшая". Moscow has the Cathedral Mosque, one of Europe's largest mosques.

7. Могу ли я войти в церковь?

   Mo-gu li ya voy-ti v tser-kov'?

   May I enter the church?

   Usage

   Used to ask permission to enter a church, especially when services may be in progress

   Grammar Note

   "Войти в + accusative" = to enter (motion). Compare "в церкви" (prepositional = inside the church, location).

8. Где можно поставить свечу?

   Gde mozh-no po-sta-vit' sve-chu?

   Where can I light a candle?

   Usage

   Used in a Russian Orthodox church to ask where to place or light a candle

   Grammar Note

   Lighting a candle is an important act of faith in Russian Orthodox churches. "Свечи" (candles) can usually be bought at a church kiosk.

9. Есть ли здесь синагога?

   Yest' li zdes' si-na-go-ga?

   Is there a synagogue here?

   Usage

   Used by Jewish travelers to find a synagogue nearby

   Grammar Note

   Moscow and St. Petersburg have Jewish communities with synagogues. "Синагога" is a feminine noun in Russian.

10. Какие религиозные праздники здесь отмечают?

    Ka-ki-ye re-li-gi-oz-ny-ye prazd-ni-ki zdes' ot-me-cha-yut?

    What religious holidays are celebrated here?

    Usage

    Used to ask about local religious festivals and holidays

    Grammar Note

    Major Russian Orthodox holidays: Рождество (Christmas, Jan 7), Пасха (Easter), Крещение (Epiphany, Jan 19).

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