Mintimer Shaimiev has taken part in ceremonial events dedicated to the Appearance of the Kazan Virgin Icon
On 21 July Tatarstan State Counselor Mintimer Shaimiev, who is also the Chairman of the Foundation Board of the Regional Revival Fund, took part in a ceremonial event dedicated to 443th anniversary of appropriation of the Kazan Virgin Icon held in the reconstructed Cathedral of the Kazan Virgin Icon after the Divine Liturgy.
Metropolitan of Kazan and Tatarstan Cyril, Metropolitan of Minsk and Zaslavye Benjamin, archpastors of the Russian Church and priests of the Kazan eparchy, residents of Kazan and pilgrims from various Russian regions also took part in the event.
In his welcoming speech, Mintimer Shaimiev said: “Right a year ago we witnessed the consecration of the reconstructed Cathedral of the Kazan Virgin Icon and today at the 442th anniversary of appropriation of the great Christian shrine this magnificent temple is again filled with clergy and believers”.
After having congratulated the audience and all Orthodoxy Tatarstan residents with this important and merry holiday, he said: “For many years the appearance and appropriation of the miracle-working image of the Kazan Mother of God in 1579 was and still is the item of special pride of Kazaners. The decree on simultaneous reconstruction of the world known cathedral and the Bolgar Islamic Academy signed by Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov on 4 November 2015 has become a bright example of the implementation of the policy aimed at strengthening inter-ethnic and inter-religious peace and concord”.
Mintimer Shaimiev also told that the Regional Revival Fund was entrusted the honor to implement this historical mission, as it already had experience of reconstruction of shrines of the Ancient Bolgar and the town-island of Sviyazhsk.
“Whatever we start doing with you we do it with all our hearts and for the soul and with our beloved expression” We can do it!” Everything that surrounds us and that has been created by us together for the benefit of the multi-ethnic people of the republic unites us and makes us better and kinder. I wish all you good health, prosperity and many years”, Mintimer Shaimiev concluded.
In the end of the ceremony the Tatarstan State Counselor, Metropolitan of Kazan and Tatarstan Cyril, Metropolitan of Minsk and Zaslavye Benjamin and archpastors of the Russian Church laid flowers on the grave of previous Metropolitan of Kazan and Tatarstan Theophane.