Rustam Minnikhanov: I am convinced that by common efforts of the church, the state and the society we will be able to restore the Cathedral of Kazan Mother of God in all its majesty

On July 21, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill held a solemn ceremony of laying the first stone in the foundation of the cathedral at the place where the Kazan Icon of Mother of God appeared and a capsule with a message to descendants.

Before the ceremony, the Patriarch had officiated a solemn divine liturgy at the Annunciation Cathedral of the Kazan Kremlin.

The event is timed to coincide with the Orthodox holiday - Day of the appearance of the Kazan icon of the Mother of God.

“Today we are witnessing a truly historical event, which is important for the citizens of Kazan and Tatarstan and Orthodox Christians around the world,” Chairman of the State Duma Sergei Naryshkin said, welcoming all the participants of the ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Russian Presidential Envoy in Volga Federal District Mikhail Babich reminded that the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God has inspired and helped compatriots for 400 years.

In his turn Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov congratulated all Orthodox believers on the Day of the appearance of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.

He thanked everyone who is implementing the project of reconstruction of the cathedral, and conducting archaeological research works, as well as organizers of the international conference and a unique exhibition dedicated to the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God and to the cathedral.

"Our common goal is to cherish and increase the priceless heritage, inherited from our ancestors. Along with the restoration of the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God the construction of the Bolgar Academy of Islam is underway. This is a good example of strengthening inter-religious and inter-ethnic peace and harmony, the development of a constructive public religious dialogue in Tatarstan," he said.

“I am convinced that by common efforts of the church, the state and the society we will be able to restore the Cathedral of Kazan Mother of God in all its majesty. From the bottom of my heart I wish you all peace, happiness, welfare and mercy of the God,” Minnikhanov said.