Troubled Orthodox church celebrates Easter

Orthodox Christians around the world are celebrating Easter today, but all is not well with the church.

Its head in Russia, Patriarch Kirill, put aside a scandal over his wearing a watch worth tens of thousands of euros, to lead the faithful in midnight mass.

There is growing concern in Russia that the luxury watch is symptomatic of a church that has grown too wealthy and is too close to the Kremlin.

In the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, the main worry was about how to afford traditional Easter fare such as eggs and Paska – a sweet bread with raisins.

Shoppers at a central market said prices on all food had gone up.

Despite the economic difficulties, a recent survey indicated some 96 per cent of Ukrainians would be celebrating Easter this year.

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