Rustam Minnikhanov at the third Forum of the Orthodox Community of Tatarstan: There is growing awareness in the society that spiritual revival is the basis of well-being and prosperity

On November 24, at the Korston Entertainment Complex, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to Volga Federal District Mikhail Babich, senior executives of the Federal Agency on Nationalities, Metropolitan of Kazan and Tatarstan Feofan and other representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church took part in the third Forum of the Orthodox Community of Tatarstan.

The participants and the guests of the forum were shown a documentary on the development of Orthodoxy in Tatarstan in 2015-2017.

In his welcoming speech, Babich noted that the forum is an unprecedented event, a good venue to discuss many issues together.

He reminded that there are 43 dioceses, over 4,000 parishes, 25 orthodox gymnasiums and schools, six theological schools and eight religious schools in Volga Federal District.

Minnikhanov greeted the Orthodox community at the meeting and noted that much work had been done to organize the forum. «Time has shown that this format of communication is in demand and widely supported by believers. It is encouraging that the resolution of the previous forum has been fulfilled in main areas, which confirms high efficiency of our cooperation,” Minnikhanov said.

Tatarstan President noted a significant contribution clerics have made in preserving peace and tranquility in the multinational republic.

The reconstruction of the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, which is underway, and the construction of the Bolgar Islamic Academy have become symbolic for the republic, Minnikhanov continued.

“All necessary conditions for implementation of religious needs have been created in Tatarstan. They are based on the cooperation agreement between Tatarstan Government, the Spiritual Council of Muslims, Tatarstan Metropolitanate of the Russian Orthodox Church and Kazan-Vyatska Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Old Believers signed in 2015,” Tatarstan President continued.

Minnikhanov was awarded with the Order of Glory and Honour of the Russian Orthodox Church, second class. The corresponding decree was signed by Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill.