Photo:
TASS
The overall objective of the state and the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) is to develop the social sphere and traditional values to transform Russia into a “land of good”. This opinion was expressed by the speaker of the Federation Council Valentina Matvienko at the ceremony of summarizing and honoring the winners of the Second all-Russian contest “the Scope of kindness”, organized by the Foundation of St. Basil the Great.
Matviyenko noted that “the Federation Council has consistently favoured the dynamic development of constructive relations between the state and the Russian Orthodox Church.” “Our task for the near and long term is to make “the good area” has grown and matured and eventually turned into a huge “land of good”, covering the whole of our Homeland”, – said the Senator.
She noted that “the cooperation of Church and state in social sphere” is constantly expanding. Thus, in a number of parishes appeared caseworkers. In addition, the Forum for social innovation regions, which is held under the auspices of the Federation Council, you can meet many social initiatives and innovations, which successfully implements ROC, she added.
“I note that the chamber created the Council for interethnic relations and cooperation with religious associations. His suggestions and recommendations, we take into account in their legislative activities,” – said the head of the Federation Council.
According to Matvienko, the upper house of the Russian Parliament “is not the first year cooperates with the Fund of Saint Basil the Great”, which became senators “a reliable partner in strengthening of traditional spiritual and family values, in the field of support of motherhood and childhood”.
“No matter how difficult sometimes, we may be in life, let us never forget the wise and fortifying the strength of the human spirit of the biblical Covenant – “be Not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good”, she concluded.
All-Russian competition “the good Area” organized by the Foundation of St. Basil the Great with the support of the Federation Council and the Russian Orthodox Church, this year it was attended by more than 60 regions of Russia. The purpose of the contest is to deliver the best social, cultural and educational initiatives by regional authorities.
The jury determined winners in the following nominations: “the Support and development of culture and art” (Oryol oblast), “Preservation and promotion of cultural heritage” (Republic of Crimea), “Historical memory” (Novosibirsk region), “Education and enlightenment” (Saint-Petersburg). Grand Prix of the contest received Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous district, have shown good results in several areas.