very interesting to read a foreigner's observations and studying of your own country;)

What's your education if you studied Russian culture?

And why isn't Pope the main in Orthodox? He does play a key role in the religion.
Yes, you're right religion is like water here.
There's a famous phrase - "religion is opium for people", and it's exactly the truth.
It was forbidden during the USSR times, and new history of independent countries are deeply connected with religion.

Moreover, for now it's a powerful instrument of influencing and ruling people. Though it's not only in Russia. it's a commin function of religion.
Do you agree?

Are western countries have less churches?