The group's prayer was inspired by their anger about the relationship between the Russian government and the Orthodox Church, according to the band's manager, who is married to one of the suspects.
A judge rejected the women's defense that they were acting from political motives, ruling that they had intended to insult the Orthodox Church and undermine public order.
An Orthodox church leader has been widely reported as saying Putin's years in power have been a miracle from God.
MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/01/world/europe/russia-pussy-riot-appeal/index.html?hpt=ieu_c2
