In the procession in support of the Saint Isaac’s Cathedral Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), according to the diocese of St. Petersburg, took part more than 12 thousand persons, informs RIA Novosti. The police counted about eight thousand of the faithful.
The second in February, a procession (the first was held February 12) dedicated to the Day of Orthodox youth. In addition to the parishioners, the procession joined the combatants in hot spots. They appealed to the Metropolitan of St. Petersburg and Ladoga Varsonofy with a request to perform a memorial service for fallen comrades.
Participants in the procession were members of the Cossack organizations, local parishes, students of the theological Academy and representatives of informal movements. During procession traffic around the Cathedral stopped. The police ensures the safety of the procession.
Opponents of the transfer of the Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church began their campaign at the conclusion of the procession.
January 10 the St. Petersburg authorities have agreed to transfer the St. Isaac Cathedral, the Russian Orthodox Church for free use for 49 years. Governor Georgy Poltavchenko has promised that the Museum function of the building will remain. For the first time the St. Petersburg diocese has requested the transfer of Isaac in 2015, but then she was denied.