Stalin

• There were attacks on synagogues and mosques. Outward signs of devotion such as head coverings and veils were forbidden
• By 1930, 80% of churches were closed. Priests were persecuted and all religious schools closed and church bells melted down
• By 1941, the number of priests had fallen from 60 thousand to 5665. Nearly 5000 were imprisoned and only 1 in 40 churches were functioning
• During the GPW, Stalin eased persecution and the Orthodox church was allowed to recover somewhat