Welcoming Patriarch Alexy II
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Sergey Katanandov at the head of the official delegation of the Republic of Karelia has taken part in the two-day celebrations devoted to the 16the anniversary of revival of monastic life on Valaam archipelago.
On August 18 Sergey Katanandov with his wife met the helicopter of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia that has landed on Herman's field of Valaam.
Patriarch Alexy II answers questions of journalists
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Right after Patriarch consecrated the St.Andrew the Apostle's bell His Holiness has answered the journalists' questions.
Answering one of them, Alexy II appreciated contribution of secular authorities of Karelia to the Valaam monastery revival, having emphasized, that 'Northern Athos' has a special place in the history of Russia and Orthodoxy, is the keeper of spiritual force and wisdom, and without the assistance of the state structures it would not be possible to achieve such an so impressive result.
Today, on August 19, personal meeting the Head of Karelia Sergey Katanandov and His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II was held, where the work accomplished in recent years has been summed up and prospects of development of monastic life on the island have been considered.
The Head of Karelia has assured His Holiness Patriarch, that henceforth the citizens of the republic will do their best for restoration of the ancient northern monastery.
Today the basic celebrations devoted to restoration of the main Holy-Transfiguration Cathedral of the monastery come to the end.
Alexander Smirnov
Author's photo
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