The Cult of Putin

Paul was the cute Apostle, right?

I'm definitely keeping up the Prophet side of the blog today by letting my readers know about the Cult of Putin (I'm sure all three of you will appreciate these efforts). The Madman side of the equation is fully represented by the members of said cult. Curious? Read on! There is a cult in Russia, near Nizhny Novgorod, that worships Vladimir Putin as the reincarnation of the Apostle Paul. They are some kind of Orthodox splinter group known as Russia Resurrecting -- or Rus Resurrecti. Their leader is Mother Photinia, who lives in a comfortable mansion that she says was built with voluntary contributions from her flock. Mother Phontinia's neighbors believe she is a witch and want her to be driven out. Here are some of the Rus Resurrecti beliefs:

• Don't bother waiting for Jesus to return because the Second Coming has already happened. And if the Second Coming weren't enough for this sinful world, there are [currently] seven Sons of God and seven antichrists on the planet.
• Putin is the reincarnation of the Apostle Paul. Like St. Paul 2000 years ago, Putin has come to the world to convert as many people as possible to the real faith.
• Alexy II, a Russian Patriarch, is Pontius Pilatus: His new mission ... is to protect the new Christ and keep him from a second crucifixion.

Oh, and did I mention that Mother Photinia was involved in fraud cases in the 90s? And that she has spent time behind bars? No doubt this prepared her to suffer for her beliefs.