Russia set to unveil giant 'Orthodox Cathedral of Armed Forces'

A giant Orthodox cathedral located at Patriot military park outside the Russian capital is slated to be unveiled next month to celebrate victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Besides the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, the church also glorifies other "feats of arms of the Russian people" including Moscow's takeover of Crimea in 2014, according to Russian Defence Ministry spokesperson. Standing 96 meters tall and crowned by six golden globes, the cathedral will be Russia's third-largest Orthodox Christian church. The unprecedented project has been steeped in symbolism, with the bell chamber's height -- 75 meters -- symbolising the 75th anniversary of victory over the Nazi. Melted-down elements of Nazi tanks and planes have been used to build the cathedral's steps, the defence ministry spokesman said. Even before its formal opening on May 9, the church has become the target of fierce criticism and ridicule. It will be the first time that the Russian Orthodox Church has agreed that the image of Stalin -- who famously clamped down on religion -- appear in a cathedral, historians said.