A memorial stone in the foundation of the Our Lady of Kazan Icon Cathedral was laid in Kazan

(KZN.RU, 21 July). The first stone was laid in the foundation of the temple on the site of the of Our Lady of Kazan appearance in the capital of Tatarstan. Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ Kirill conducted a solemn ceremony of laying the stone and a capsule with a reference to the descendants. Sergei Naryshkin, the Chairman of the State Duma of the RF, Mikhail Babich, the plenipotentiary representative of the Russian President in the Volga Federal District, Rustam Minnikhanov, the President of Tatarstan, Mintimer Shaimiev, the State Councilor of the RT, Farid Mukhametshin, the Chairman of the State Council of the RT, Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, and others participated in the event.

S. Naryshkin said that today was a historical event, important not only for the residents of Kazan and Tatarstan, but also for the Orthodox Christians all around the world. “The revival of one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Kazan begins. It is the Our Lady of Kazan Icon Cathedral, the cradle of our history and culture treasures, our faith,” said Naryshkin. “Reconstruction and restoration of shrines in Tatarstan is not a onetime event, it is a constant purposeful work, designed for years and even decades.”

The plenipotentiary representative of Russian President in Volga Federal District Mikhail Babich, speaking at the ceremony, said that the icon of Our Lady of Kazan inspires and helps its compatriots for 400 years now. “People prayed and asked for help in the most difficult times, referring to this icon,” said Mikhail Babich. “Tatarstan is a model of tolerance, love for each other and respect for people of different nationalities, different faiths, and love for the Fatherland. We say about strengthen the foundation of our statehood, Orthodoxy, and patriotism by laying this cathedral today. There is no doubt that this beautiful cathedral will find its rightful place here in Kazan land as soon as possible. Thanks in advance to everyone who is taking and will take part in this.”

Rustam Minnikhanov, the President of Tatarstan, congratulated all Orthodox believers on the day of the Our Lady of Kazan icon appearance. “Thousands of people have come here, to the place of the majestic temple, which has been destroyed 74 years ago. There are pilgrims from all over Russia, representatives of the clergy, the authorities and the public. Patriarch Kirill said beautiful words about the spiritual meaning of Our Lady of Kazan in Russia and the entire Orthodox world. Of course, the miraculous image of Our Lady, appeared in Kazan in 1579, is the greatest all-Russian relic, a priceless world heritage”, he said.

Rustam Minnikhanov addressed special words of gratitude to Patriarch Kirill, Sergei Naryshkin, the Chairman of the State Duma of the RF, Mikhail Babich, the plenipotentiary representative of the Russian President in the Volga Federal District, and Mintimer Shaimiev, the State Councilor of the RT and head of the republican fund “Revival”.

Mintimer Shaimiev called today's event a milestone in the life of Russian society. He recalled that the Annunciation Cathedral was revived for the 1000 anniversary of Kazan in 2005, and that a decree on the reconstruction of the Our Lady of Kazan Cathedral on its historic site, and on the establishment and construction of the country's only Muslim Bulgarian Academy was signed on 4th November 2015. “It unites us all. People of different nationalities live in our multinational land, create a family, find a common language for centuries,” said State Councilor of RT.

Finally, Rustam Minnikhanov thanked everyone who realizes the reconstruction of the cathedral project and conducts archaeological research works, and organizers of the international conference and a unique exhibition dedicated to the Our Lady of Kazan Icon and to the cathedral. “Our task is to cherish and increase the priceless heritage. Construction of the Muslim Bulgarian Academy performed simultaneously with reconstruction of the Our Lady of Kazan Cathedral. This is a prime example of a policy of strengthening inter-religious and international peace and harmony, the development of a constructive public religious dialogue held by Tatarstan,” said R. Minnihanov, according to the President of the RT press service.

Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ Kirill conducted the Divine Liturgy in Kazan, followed by the Procession before the ceremony of laying the foundation stone in the capital of Tatarstan.