Brian Whitmore: Not quite a theocracy, but …
Members of Russia's Olympic team wait to receive blessings from Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill during a religious service at a cathedral in the Kremlin in Moscow on July 27, 2016.
The Daily Vertical is a video primer for Russia-watchers that appears Monday through Friday. Viewers can suggest topics via Twitter @PowerVertical or on the Power Vertical Facebook page.
