Governor Alexander Beglov met in Smolny with the Primate of the Malankara Church, His Holiness Catholicos Basil Mar Thomas Matthew III. Metropolitan Varsonofy of St. Petersburg and Ladoga also took part in the meeting, the Smolny press service reports.

"Our city, in the words of Patriarch Kirill, is the northern capital of Russian Orthodoxy. It is multinational. And although most of the residents are Orthodox, we honor and respect representatives of other religions. We live in peace and harmony with everyone," Alexander Beglov said. The Governor noted that the President of Russia emphasizes the deep respect for the culture and traditions of other countries and peoples.

Basil Mar Thomas Matthew III said that he was ready to continue building strong relations between the peoples.

"We came here to establish good and close relations between our peoples, as well as to express respect and gratitude to the administration of St. Petersburg. We have historical relations with this city, our students studied here. Leningrad Theological Academy is my alma mater, and I am proud of it. We resumed the tradition of teaching in St. Petersburg theological schools in 1965, and it continues today," His Holiness the Catholicos said.

An agreement has been reached between the head of the Malankara Church and Patriarch Kirill on the establishment of a working group to coordinate relations between the Churches. Cooperation covers social and scientific spheres.

Alexander Beglov assured that St. Petersburg is ready to provide the necessary assistance. He thanked His Holiness Catholicos Basil Mar Thomas Matthew III for the fact that the largest information portal under the auspices of the Malankara Church, the Society for the Promotion of Eastern Christian Unity, supports the position of the Moscow Patriarchate, including with regard to Ukraine and the unity of the Church.

The Governor also stressed that friendly relations between the Churches contribute to rapprochement at the state level.

"We are ready to receive delegations from India, teach students, and also conduct joint services in the future," said Metropolitan Varsonofy of St. Petersburg and Ladoga.
The Malankara Church was founded in the 1st century AD by the Apostle Thomas in India. One of the oldest churches in the Christian world, it is recognized at the state level. She has three million parishioners.