The Russian Orthodox Church (Russian: Русская Православная Церковь) is traditionally said to have been founded by Andrew the Apostle, who is thought to have visited Scythia and Greek colonies along the northern coast of the Black Sea. According to one of the legends, St. Andrew reached the future location of Kiev and foretold the foundation of a great Christian city.[1][2] The spot where he reportedly erected a cross is now marked by St. Andrew's Cathedral Patriarchate of Moscow and all Russia

The Trinity Cathedral of Troitse-Sergieva Lavra
FounderApostle Andrew, Vladimir of Kiev, Michael, 1st metropolitan of KievIndependence1448, de facto in the Metropolis of MoscowRecognition(as a patriarchate) in 1589 by ConstantinoplePrimatePatriarch Kirill IHeadquartersMoscow, RussiaLanguageChurch Slavonic(basic) and local languagesMembers125,000,000WebsiteRussian Orthodox Church Department for External Church Relations official website
