The Vissarion Christ (who declined to be interviewed but allowed journalists to observe his ceremonies) is not the only superstar among Russia's new religious idols. 'It was prophesied that I would return to finish what I started.' 'I am Jesus Christ,' Vissarion introduced himself to the newcomers, some of whom hailed from as far away as Germany, Bulgaria, and Poland. Convinced that the End of Light-as they call it-is near, they intend to survive the apocalypse in Siberian Arks. Their numbers have multiplied tenfold over the past 20 years, up to about 4,500 total. Most of them live in the Abode of Dawn City or a handful of villages in Siberia's Krasnoyarsk region they believe their religious community is the only ark that can save them in these troubled times. The Christ of Siberia walked carefully onto the ice stage and observed the crowd kneeling before him in the snow.

And they obey his every instruction, living in expectation of the apocalypse he has predicted. His followers call him the Vissarion Christ, or just Teacher they pray to his portraits and celebrate his birthday, Jan. Fluffy snowflakes landed on their heads as they sang their prayers: 'God, illuminate our souls with your light, warm up our souls.' The next moment, silence fell over the forest as a bearded, chubby man in long white robes emerged at the top of a hill. Tall pine trees served as the walls of their church the stage for their chorus was carved out of ice. Cupping candles in their hands, wrapped in white silk and knit robes, nearly 3,000 people knelt on the snow in the middle of the Siberian woods.

Grim dawn cult activity