Romanians are religious people, irrespective of their actual religion and more than half of them say prayer is an important part of their life, found a recent survey conducted by the Soros foundation. However, only 25 percent of the respondents in this survey said they go to church once a week, while only 6 percent go several times a week.

People in rural areas go to the church more often, while women and elderly people are also among those more often found in church.

Three quarters of the people interviewed said they make the sign of cross when passing by a church and feast at least occasionally. A similar ratio doesn't work on Sundays. Over half of those interviewed have their long term use objects consecrated by a Priest, but the habit is more spread among the elderly.

Percentages are lower for religious behaviors which require more involvement. Less than half of Orthodox Romanians confess regularly, by comparison to Catholics, where two thirds do so.

Data in this survey has been collected between June 1 and 21 by International Brand Consultants, on a sample of 1,204 people. You can get the results of the survey here (in Romanian).

Corina Saceanu, corina@romania-insider.com

(photo credits: Corina Saceanu/Romania-Insider.com)