Russian churches and religion are indeed very unique. Only after I moved to the States and lived here for a while, I started figuring out why... I think. Russia truly standsbetween East and West, and Russia's churches and cathedrals are the best representation of this position. They are like Catholic churches mixed with mosques. The gilded domes (very middle-eastern, IMHO) topped with undoubtedly Christian crosses. I love to follow your Russia adventure!