The city of Belgorod, Russia has banned Valentine's Day out of concerns over "spiritual safety." Grigory Bolotnov, a spokesman for the governor's office, says, "The holiday has nothing to do with our traditions. We could just as well have introduced a Vodka Day." The local zoo also has canceled discounts for couples. The influential Russian-Orthodox Church has no clear position on Valentine's Day. Belgorod, Russia has long been a hub for Russian mail order brides.
