There are more than 700,000 abandoned children in Russia. In the village of Vereshchagino near Perm the church is offering them not only bread and shelter but also guidance and counselling.

Igor is happy to show off his skills on horseback  and describes himself as bold and courageous. He rides like a daredevil. 

He hasn’t always felt this way though. Growing up in the hands of an abusive father, Igor was a shy and reclusive child.

The boy learnt to ride in no ordinary school.

Maxim also has a troubled past. When his mother left him he spiralled into substance abuse, drinking, smoking and doing drugs. With his new passion of horseriding, this is no longer the case.

Both of the boys now live in a sanctuary for abused and abandoned children run by local priests. 

The priests say they have a duty to look after vulnerable members of society. Although Father Aleksandr has helped turn around the lives of hundreds of children, his motives are often met with suspicion.

“Many people think we’re some sort of cult or that we want to brainwash these children with religion. But all we’re doing here is teaching them good morals and discipline in an environment where they can achieve and feel loved,” he says.

He is teaching the traditions of Cossack horsemanship. Cossacks are known for their bravery and self-dependence – attributes Father Aleksandr wants his children to take on board.

Natalia prefers staying in the convent to her parents' house

Around 50 children live at the refuge. The boys are raised in dormitories at the monastery. Although the conditions are somewhat basic, they say they’re happy here.

As for the girls, they live at the nearby convent, where the nuns also run a farm. Each day after school they are greeted by Mother Siluana, who has taught them how to care for the animals.

Natalia says she sometimes dreams of returning to her family but knows only too well it’s impossible.

“My mother and father are alcoholics. They were deprived of their parental rights when I was only six years old. I’m better off living here with the nuns,” says the girl.

Mother Siluana has dedicated her life to caring for abandoned children. She believes her approach is the best: “Children tend to run away from state-run institutions. But here they are given freedom and they chose to stay because we raise them with warmth and loving care”.

The refuge receives no help from the government. It relies on funding from the Orthodox Church.

The children are not forced to go to church but they say they attend willingly once a week. There they receive guidance and counselling from the priests, who help them pave the way to a brighter future and a spiritual adult life.