Rustam Minnikhanov hands over the “Order of merits for the Republic of Tatarstan” to Metropolitan Anastasy

On July 16, at Tatarstan Government House, Interim President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov handed over the “Order of merits for the Republic of Tatarstan” to the Metropolitan of Simbirsk and Novospassk Anastasy (Ulyanovsk region).

By the decision of Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church Metropolitan of Kazan and Tatarstan Anastasy was appointed Metropolitan of Simbirsk and Novospassk.

Rustam Minnikhanov thanked Metropolitan Anastasy for his contribution to development of spiritual values, strengthening of inter-confessional and inter-ethnic concord in the republic. For 26 years of service the number of operating churches has increased in Tatarstan from 15 to 467.

Minnikhanov expressed his confidence that Metropolitan Anastasy would continue realizing his mission in the new position.