Patriarch Kirill
Patriarch Kirill called the transfer of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Russian Orthodox Church in the centenary year of the revolutionary events of 1917 a symbol of reconciliation of the people. On Friday, February 17, RIA Novosti reported.
“Once the destruction of the temples, the massacres of believers have become a terrible national division, now the world around returned to the churches must become the personification of harmony and mutual forgiveness — and-white with red, believers with unbelievers, the rich and the poor,” explained the Patriarch.
He added that the return of the Russian Orthodox Church allowed to keep their shrines poses no threat. “It will breathe authentic life into monuments that will further make them a means of national education. This will be a continuation of the work of many worthy of Museum workers, with the personal participation of many of them,” — said the Patriarch.
In January, the authorities of St.-Petersburg has agreed to transfer the St. Isaac Cathedral, the Russian Orthodox Church for free use for 49 years. Despite the fact that it was promised to preserve the Museum function of the building, this decision has caused discontent of local residents. The city held a rally of supporters and opponents of the transfer of the building.