Throne called the "sedia gestatoria". Originally, the "sedia" was used as part of the elaborate procession surrounding papal ceremonies that was believed to be the most direct heir of pharaonic splendor, and included a pair of flabella (fans made from ostrich feathers) to either side. Pope John Paul I at first abandoned the use of these implements, but later in his brief reign began to use the "sedia" so that he could be seen more easily by the crowds. However, he did not restore the use of the flabella. The use of the "sedia" was abandoned by Pope John Paul II
Religion in Belarus Jewish organizations active in Belarus, half of which were country-wide. Muslims in Belarus are represented by small communities of ethnic Tatars. All of them are followers of Sunni Islam. Some of these Tatars are descendants of emigrants and prisoners of war who settled in Belarus, from the Volga Region, after the 11th century. In 1997 there were 23 Muslim communities, including 19 of those in the Western regions of Belarus. Paganism in Belarus is mostly represented by Rodnovery, the Slavic neopaganism. Uladzimir Sacevič is a Rodnover leader. Religion in Belarus Religion in Belarus has been traditionally Orthodox Christianity although there