On the evening of 6 November 2018 the unknown man committed arson of a temporary wooden Church of the Apostle and Evangelist John the theologian on the outside of the Boat, opposite VL. 31, in Moscow. This was not the first arson of a temple in Moscow for the last time. Less than a month ago, from 12 to 13 October 2018, unknown persons set fire to the wooden Church of the mother of God “Softener of evil hearts” and the building of the Sunday school.
A comment was made by the Chairman of the Financial-economic Department of the Moscow Patriarchate, the curator of the Program of construction of Orthodox churches in Moscow, the Metropolitan of Ryazan and Michael mark:
“Yesterday was an arson of the wooden Church of the Apostle and Evangelist John the theologian on Boat street in Moscow. The probability is that the temple to restore it.
This is the second fact of arson. Less than a month ago, from 12 to 13 October 2018, yet another new Moscow parish, on the street Kamov, unknown persons set fire to the wooden Church of the mother of God “Softener of evil hearts” and the building of the Sunday school.
In both cases, the schemas are similar. In both cases, surveillance cameras recorded the criminal actions. In both cases, the arson was done in the dark. What do all these facts?!
Some time ago, individuals have tried to create a protest movement against the Program of building of Orthodox temples in Moscow. Operated a variety of methods. However, as we know, all their attempts failed. Most of the residents of our city support this Program, designed to return people their lost relics and to increase the national wealth.
People not only in words but also in deeds involved in the construction of temples. To date, 46 of the temples built. 17 churches completed major construction and installation works. Another 25 are under construction. 31 the temple is designed. These figures speak for themselves.
And the accomplished acts of blasphemy only show the impotent malice of the opponents of the churches that are seeing their defeat, have been going to extreme measures. The Lord will judge them!
In the history of XX century there are many cases when the people who destroyed churches, burned icons, tore down crosses, declaring war on God, not themselves subsequently died in terrible agony, but continued their way…
Encourage rectors and parishioners of temples under construction to strengthen the protection of their parishes. If someone else there is no external surveillance cameras, be sure to install.
I also encourage the conservation authorities to pay special attention to these two cases and to strengthen control over the safety of temples.
Also invite the rectors of Moscow churches and caring residents of Moscow to provide assistance to affected parishes”.
According to the website the Financial management