The Chairman of the State Duma Committee on civil society development issues, public and religious associations, the President of the inter-parliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy Sergey Gavrilov met with the head of the Estonian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate Metropolitan of Tallinn Eugene.
Metropolitan Eugene, elected a few months ago the head of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, began his new duties.
Sergey Gavrilov said that “the development of constructive interaction of public authorities and the Estonian Orthodox Church, always ready to dialogue and cooperation and the establishment of a society’s intrinsic moral ideals and values of canonical Orthodoxy, at present, is particularly important. Over many years of labors in the vineyard of Christ and the clergy of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate has always strived diligently to fulfill assigned to him by the Supreme Church authorities, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Metropolitan of Tallinn and all Estonia Eugene said that the Republic of Estonia the top state leadership seeks to maintain with the Church a constructive relationship. Significantly increased the public credibility of the Church. An increasing number of social organizations society and culture invites representatives of the Estonian Orthodox Church to participate in various social and cultural projects. Currently, with the state authorities reached a consensus and ensuring mutual understanding, laid the foundations for further cooperation. Such basics include easing and more friendly interfaith relations, mutual support in the field of repair and restoration work in the temples. The heads of territorial units have substantial support in the restoration of churches recognized as architectural monuments, conducting parish events, and contribute to improving the living conditions of the clergy.
Special attention during the meeting was paid to the pilgrimage Church activities, as Estonia is the largest center of attraction of Orthodox pilgrims. Annually on the eve of the feast of the Dormition of the Holy pühtitsa Dormition stavropegic convent many believers are going to prayerfully go a considerable distance (approximately 33 km), and thereby to give praise to the most Holy lady our mother of God and ever-virgin Mary. This pious tradition for about 200 years. For the purpose of organizing the pilgrimage activities in the monastery pilgrimage service functions.
During the visit in Tallinn Russian politician Sergey Gavrilov visited the Tallinn Cathedral of the Holy Grand Prince Alexander Nevsky.