Russia has recently seen a dramatic rise in raids on churches as robbers seek to steal icons and other religious artwork. In November 2007, thieves broke into a village church in the Kostroma Region and stole eight rare icons worth 2 million rubles ($85,000).
Robbers also often resort to violence and a number of church employees have lost their lives in incidents across Russia.
"We recommend that church personnel performing security duties apply to law enforcement agencies to obtain firearms licenses, so that they can protect their lives and the church's property," Elena Kirshanova said.
She added that police were not trying to "avoid their duty to protect life and property" and that firearms were being recommended as an "additional security measure."
The region has a total of 55 churches and monasteries. All of them are currently being equipped with alarms as well as with indoor and outdoor cameras.
