Mintimer Shaimiev takes part in the events on the 25th anniversary of the revival of the Virgin Assumption Monastery
On August 28, in Sviyazhsk, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Tatarstan State Counselor Mintimer Shaimiev, Metropolitan of Kazan and Tatarstan Kirill, Head of Zelenodolsk region of the republic Mikhail Afanasiev Archpastors, priests and laity of Tatarstan Metropolis took part in the celebrations on the 25th anniversary of the revival of the Virgin Assumption Monastery.
“Today is a significant event not only for the Orthodox world, but also for all of us. The revival of Sviyazhsk was our dream. In 2010, Mintimer Sharipovich Shaimiev undertook the task, and the Revival Regional Foundation was established. Russian President Vladimir Putin blessed this initiative. All transformations in Sviyazhsk and Bolgar took place due to the great support of the federal centre,” Minnikhanov said in his welcoming speech.
Tatarstan President emphasized that Sviyazhsk is an invaluable asset for all residents of our large country.
Minnikhanov also handed over to Kirill
the icon of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Shaimiev emphasized that over the last few decades the republic has done a lot of work to revive spirituality. A vivid example of this is the restoration of the ancient city of Bolgar and the island-town of Sviyazhsk. “The approach of simultaneous restoration of Muslim and Orthodox shrines is tested by time. We are on the right way. The revival of monuments is, first of all, a way to understand the soul of believers, which is very important. This is the real value. And in many ways, we are an example,” he said.
Shaimiev noted that the revival of Sviyazhsk had a positive impact on its tourist attractiveness. About a million tourists have already visited the Sviyazhsk Museum-Reserve this year.
Metropolitan of Kazan and Tatarstan Kirill thanked the leadership of the republic for careful attention to the metropolis, the restoration of churches and Orthodox shrines.
Then the participants of the ceremony visited a new park on the territory of the Sviyazhsk monastery.