Address of Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov on the occasion of the Baptism of Rus

Dear citizens of Tatarstan! The commemorative date - the Baptism of Rus (Day of christianization of Russia) is celebrated on July 28. This important historical event, which happened in 988, gave impetus to public, spiritual, and cultural development and strengthening of Russian statehood. It is known that Christian culture carries immense potential of moral self-improvement. Christening symbolizes finding of belief, salvation, and hope for eternal life.

Sacrament of christening is the source of love and mercy, it makes people more kind, purer, and more sympathetic.

In Tatarstan, where Christians, Muslims, and representatives of other religions have peacefully lived for years, these universal values will always be important. Celebration of this commemorative date in the Year of culture and the 700th anniversary of Blessed Sergius of Radonezh has special meaning. Many things are done today for revival of spirituality. Churches are reconstructed and built in Tatarstan cities and regions, reconstruction of sacred places in Sviyazhsk is nearly finished: the island town is turning into pilgrim and tourist gem of Russia.

I am sure that joint efforts of government and religious organizations will favour strengthening of traditional spiritual values, preservation and development of religious cultures, inter-confessional concord in the republic.

I wish you health, strength of spirit, happiness and wellbeing!

Tatarstan President, Rustam Minnikhanov.