Vladimir Putin congratulated the participants in the event dedicated to the restoration of the Cathedral of the Holy Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky in Volgograd, reports the Kremlin press service.
The president called the temple, built in 1918, a real decoration of the city and a great spiritual center of the Lower Volga. Later the unique architectural monument was lost, but now it has been restored.
“ It is important that today the cathedral opens its doors again. Its rebirth became possible in large part thanks to the unity of state and civil society, the creative and constructive interaction of the Russian Orthodox Church, scientists, restorers , museum workers, benefactors, all the caring people who value our common heritage & # 39; & # 39 ;, & ndash; Putin pointed out, noting the symbolism that the event was timed to coincide with Prince Alexander Nevsky's 800th birthday.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built in Tsaritsyn in memory of the rescue of Emperor Alexander III from a train crash. It exploded in 1932.
According to TASS, the restored cathedral is now consecrated by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. After a small procession around the church, he will hold a divine liturgy.
The consecration of the cathedral began at 9:00 a.m. Moscow time. The head of the Russian Orthodox Church arrived in Volgograd the day before.
The first service in the restored church is shown on the street screens in the square in front of the cathedral.