THE FOUNDATION stone of Bratislava's first Orthodox church was consecrated in the Ružinov district by Archbishop Nikolai, the church's top Czech and Slovak official.
The launch of St. Rastislaus Church on July 5 was an initiative by Alexander Belousov, the Russian husband of Anna Malíková, head of the opposition Slovak National Party (SNS).
The church is expected to be 30 metres high, and is situated near the headquarters of the biggest opposition party, the Movement for a Democratic Slovakia (HZDS).
Belousov wants the main construction to be completed by September this year with the first services to be held in spring 2003.
