Mintimer Shaimiev congratulated representatives of Kazan eparchy with the forthcoming Christmas

Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev received representatives of Kazan eparchy of Russian Orthodox Church on occasion of Christmas.

Archbishop of Kazan and Tatarstan Anastasy, deputy of Raif male monastery archimandrite Vsevolod, abbots of Kazan and Almetyevsk cathedrals were invited to the meeting. Head of Tatarstan President Administration Yury Kamaltynov, head of department for internal policy affairs Alexander Terentyev, chairman of religions council at RT Cabinet Rinat Nabiev and other officials represented republican authorities.

Mintimer Shaimiev congratulated representatives of Kazan eparchy of Russian Orthodox Church with the forthcoming Christmas and thanked them on behalf of Tatarstan Government for the work they do for peace and concord to dominate in the republic. The head of the republic mentioned that revival of religion plays a significant role for the entire society. Mutual understanding helps to go on.

The President of Tatarstan was particularly pleased to notice kind and heartily relations between representatives of various religions and confessions in the republic. ‘Everyone needs faith and religion. Many people visit cathedrals and mosques and they come out inspired and lofty’ he emphasized.

The archbishop of Kazan and Tatarstan Anastasy indicated that the main issue discussed with Mintimer Shaimiev at the meeting was charity. 2007 was declared the year of charity in Tatarstan. According to the words of archbishop, every orthodox congregation controls and supports a social object – an orphanage, a custodial institution or a medical one. ‘Every congregation will render not only spiritual but also material assistance’ archbishop Anastasy noted.

Kazan and Tatarstan archbishop congratulated the citizens of the republic on Christmas day and wished everyone, Christians, Muslims, and Jews as well to have their guiding star.