V. Legoida: We are committed to working with all who care about the fate of St. Isaac’s Cathedral – the Official portal of the Moscow Patriarchate

12 Jan 2017 22:01

January 12, 2017 in the St. Petersburg diocesan administration in the Metropolitan wing of Alexander Nevsky Lavra held a press conference devoted to the transfer of St. Isaac’s Cathedral to the Russian Orthodox Church.

the event was attended by Vice-Governor of St. Petersburg M. P. Mokretsov, Chairman of the Patriarchal Council for culture, head of the Commission for cooperation between the Russian Orthodox Church and Museum community Bishop mark Tichon, Chairman of the Synodal Department for Church and society and the media V. Legoida, head of the Legal service of the Moscow Patriarchate abbess Xenia (Chernega), the head of communications of the St. Petersburg metropolis N. About. Rodomanova.

Speaking at a press conference, Vladimir Legoyda noted that the transfer of St. Isaac’s Cathedral to the Russian Orthodox Church is natural, and the fears and concerns expressed about this, not connected with reality.

“Sometimes colleagues ask the question in this situation: “if this is normal And that the temple…” and they themselves find it difficult to finish this sentence. Normally that the temple will be the temple? This is normal in the truest meaning of the word. Abnormal is the opposite situation. The temple was built as a place of prayer,” said V. Legoida.

“the Transfer is not in accordance with our law and international law: engaging in 1996, the Council of Europe, the Russian Federation undertook to give religious organizations the religious. It international obligations,” he said.

the Chairman of Department on interrelations of the Church with society and the media recalled that UNESCO never let the fact that the objects under its purview, were run by religious organizations. As examples, he cited the architectural ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra, the Novodevichy and Solovetsky monasteries.

“there are fears that the Church will not cope with the responsibilities that he undertakes. I would like to offer anyone who asks questions like out of a hypothetical field, feeding phantom fears. There is no reason to believe that the Church doesn’t cope. Given examples of great cooperation between the Church and the Museum community of the modern experience suggests that we manage,” said V. Legoida.

in conclusion, the representative of the Church called for creative and constructive dialogue among all who care about the fate of St. Isaac’s Cathedral.

“We are committed to working with all to whom this subject seems important and interesting. We see no real risks from those that were expressed, but this does not mean that there will be difficulties. Of course they will, how can any business pass without difficulty? But it is a problem which must be solved. Let’s face it together. I’m sure if St. Petersburg residents will notice some changes, it will change for the better”, — said V. Legoida.

the Synodal Department for Church relations with society and the media/patriarhiei