The Spiritual and educational Center at the Anadyr and Chukotka diocese opened its doors after a solemn service.
The service was performed by the chairman of the Commission of the Russian Orthodox Church for the Development of Pilgrimage and the Bringing of Shrines — the vicar of His Holiness the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Archbishop Matthew of Yegoryevsky and the administrator of the Anadyr and Chukotka diocese, Archbishop Ipatiy of Anadyr and Chukotka.
The grand opening of the building was attended by district officials, heads of law enforcement and law enforcement agencies, journalists, public figures and patrons.
At the end of the prayer service, Vladyka Matthew addressed the audience with an archpastoral address. His Eminence stressed that the lighting of the Spiritual and Educational Center took place within the framework of the All-Russian Prayer Service for Victory and the bringing of the greatest shrine to Chukotka for worship – the ark with the relics of the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious.
"Chukotka, and then Kaliningrad, will be the last regions completing the way of the cross across the country with the ark of the holy relics of the great commander and Victorious George to perform an All—Russian prayer service for the speedy Victory of Russian weapons in a special military operation, so that justice, which must prevail, will come sooner and with fewer losses for our country," said the bishop Matthew.
His Eminence added that the construction of the Center was made possible thanks to the program of Patriarch Kirill, which His Holiness began in 2011 together with the Federal Agency for Nationalities. Since then, about 100 buildings have been built throughout the country for spiritual and educational work.
"The centers have become a platform for cultural and educational activities, interreligious peace, as well as a place where small indigenous peoples have the opportunity to gather. It was for this purpose that the construction was conceived in 2018 and blessed by His Holiness the Patriarch. Bishop Hypatius has been taking care of the speedy construction of the center all these years," Archbishop Matthew stressed.
His Eminence expressed the hope that with the support of the region, the Anadyr and Chukotka diocese will soon multiply, both in the number of the flock and in matters of presence in educational institutions within the framework of teaching the basics of Orthodox culture.
Archbishop Ipatiy, the administrator of the Anadyr and Chukotka Diocese, in his archpastoral speech expressed gratitude to Vladyka Matthew for his efforts to create the first Spiritual and Educational Center in Chukotka.
"We have finally waited for the arrival of our beloved Vladyka Matthew. He was the one who started the construction of the Spiritual Center, and we really wanted Vladyka to illuminate it. And so, we are in a beautiful building that perfectly complements the church and architectural ensemble of Anadyr and is already an ornament of the capital of Chukotka," the ruling bishop noted.
His Eminence expressed confidence that the Spiritual and Educational Center will be able to hold events on a variety of topics with the participation of clergy, teachers, military personnel, public figures, so that children, schoolchildren and students grow up worthy citizens of their Fatherland.
Concluding the opening ceremony, Archbishop Matthew thanked the head of the region Vladislav Kuznetsov, the speaker of the district parliament Valentina Rudchenko, the city Administration, the leadership of law enforcement and law enforcement agencies for the church-state cooperation that has developed over the years between the Anadyr and Chukotka diocese and regional authorities, departments and local governments, and also expressed gratitude to the builders, erecting the building.
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Press Service of the Anadyr and Chukotka Diocese