In the capital of Tatarstan today, on the day of the Our Lady of Kazan Icon, a revived historical cathedral in honor of this shrine, one of the most revered in Russia, was solemnly opened.
The rite of consecration was performed by Patriarch Kirill. The former stone church was blown up in Soviet times. A lot of people took part in the construction of a new church on the site of the finding of the miraculous icon, this was noted by Vladimir Putin, who sent his congratulations.
Returning home - this is what they say today about the opening of the reconstructed cathedral. The icon is finally at the place where it was found, in Kazan.
The old icon was found by the girl Matrona. First, a chapel was built on this site, then a wooden temple, then a stone one. The last building was erected in 1808; the temple was a place of pilgrimage for believers from all over the country. But in the 30s of the 20th century, the cathedral was destroyed.
“Today we are witnesses of how in the place where no manifestations of religious life were supposed at all, this majestic cathedral was consecrated as a monument to the spirit, courage, strength and faith of our people. And how wonderful it is that representatives of the Islamic clergy are with us today. Today we are together, everyone, as those who maintained solidarity with each other in the difficult years of persecution, and together on this solemn day, ”said Patriarch Kirill.
They first started talking about the restoration of the temple back in 2004, when the Our Lady of Kazan Icon from the Pope's chambers in the Vatican was transferred to Kazan. And in 2016, it was decided to restore the temple at its former, historical place.
“Exactly five years ago, we, led by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, laid the first stone in the foundation of the restored church. And today, in this majestic cathedral, in the presence of the Patriarch and distinguished guests, the Divine Liturgy is again celebrated. The capital of Tatarstan and our glorious Fatherland have regained one of their main spiritual shrines, ”said the head of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov.
Today's event is being handed out to be historical. A huge temple was rebuilt with the help of believers and business. Vladimir Putin also sent his congratulations to Kazan today.
“The Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan Icon was erected by the efforts of scientists and restorers, employees of museums and libraries, priests, benefactors, volunteers, literally built by the whole Ortodox world. I am sure that the cathedral will become one of the spiritual centers of Kazan, will serve the cause of the revival of religious shrines and age-old traditions in the ancient land of Tatarstan, ”the plenipotentiary representative of the Russian Federation in the Volga Federal District Igor Komarov read out the telegram.
Today, many celebrated that the day of finding the Our Lady of Kazan Icon coincided with one of the main Muslim holidays, Eid al-Adha. This is symbolic for multinational Russia, where different peoples have lived in peace for centuries.
“The most important values are one for all. This is love for one's neighbor, caring for one's family, honest work, striving for justice. And I am sure that the consecration of this wonderful cathedral in the very heart of Kazan will be the next step to preserve unity, trust, and mutual understanding between peoples. This is what our country is rightfully proud of, ”said Valentina Matvienko, Chairperson of the Federation Council.
The temple will open to believers tomorrow. A unique ancient cave temple, which was accidentally discovered during excavations, will also be available for visiting. It is there that the very place of finding the shrine is located.
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