Religious groups have also been beneficiaries of donations from Russia's new corporations. Other companies have raised funds for various social programs running from orphanages to hospitals. One of the most touching stories has been that of the old grandmother in a village outside of Moscow who claims to have received a vision of angels directing her to build a church. Three businessmen who were planning to build summer homes in that village have now donated some of the building materials for the project. There has also been a darker side to an emerging Russian philanthropy.
Petty criminals try to extort funds and goods both from charities and from aid workers personally.
In some cases, those trying to carry out philanthropic activities have been the subject of attacks or even kidnappings. The Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church also recently criticized the warm relationship that exists between some clergymen and mafia bosses. At the same time, the hierarchy themselves have come under stricter scrutiny for their handling of Church property. Technically, the bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church are monks, and should not have extensive personal property or wealth. Increasingly, some lay activists are trying to expose the cars, homes, and other luxury items enjoyed by some of the leaders of the Church.