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Famous African politician, former Deputy Prime Minister of Gabon Bruno Ben Moubamba converted to Orthodoxy and was baptized in the Moscow Church, he was given the Christian name of Vladimir, said a member of the Synodal biblical-theological Commission of the Russian Orthodox Church, rector of the Church of the life-giving Trinity on the Vorobyovy hills Archpriest Andrey Novikov.
"The Day of the baptism of Rus the Lord has vouchsafed to make kinoprem the Orthodoxy of the former Deputy Prime Minister of Gabon Bruno Ben Moubamba David (at his request)," - wrote Novikov on his page in Facebook.
The spiritual administration of Muslims (DUM) of the Russian Federation organizes the charitable distribution of meat to the needy on Eid al-Adha, said in a statement on the website of the DUMAS of the Russian Federation.
"In honor of the holiday Eid al-Adha and given the difficult financial situation of many families in a pandemic, the Spiritual administration of Muslims is organizing a nationwide protest on distribution to the needy of the meat of sacrificial animals – "Eid Karim 2020". Assistance in the form of several pounds of meat will have tens of thousands of families," the statement reads.
About the wisdom and health of the President of Russia, and also on God's help to "build harmony in society, peace and the creation of equal conditions for development of religious communities" prayed on Friday, first Deputy Chairman of Russia Muftis Council and the Spiritual administration of Muslims of Russia Damir Mukhetdinov.
On Friday Muslims celebrate the most important holiday in Islam, Eid al-Adha (Turkic), Eid al-Adha (in Arabic), or the feast of sacrifice, which marks the end of Hajj, the pilgrimage to the main Muslim Holy places in Saudi Arabia. Mukhetdinov morning headed celebratory divine service in the Cathedral mosque of Moscow, the text of his sermons posted on the website of SMR.
The cancellation of Hajj because of the epidemic of the coronavirus, as well as limiting the number of people in common prayers in the mosques – it is the sacrifice of the believers for the life and safety of the public, said Friday the first Deputy Chairman of the Spiritual administration of Muslims (DUM) of Russia Damir Mukhetdinov.
On Friday, he led the festive divine service in the Cathedral mosque of Moscow - the text of his sermons posted on the website of the DUMAS of the Russian Federation.
The head of the Council of Muftis of Russia (SMR) and the Spiritual administration of Muslims of Russia Ravil Gainutdin congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, noting that believers meet him "with a sense of spiritual uplift" and that he in these days he prays to Almighty "about the diversion of the troubles of coronavirus from all mankind."
The feast of the sacrifice Eid al-Adha (Turkic), or ID al-Adha (in Arabic) - the main holiday of the Muslims. It is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah of the Islamic lunar calendar and lasts three days. This year it started to come on July 31.
In the Russian Orthodox Church will rejoice over the resumption of worship after the restoration of the Orthodox monastery of Sumela in Turkey, although to bless the faithful pilgrimage to the ancient abode will be possible only after the restoration of Eucharistic communion with Constantinople, said RIA Novosti Deputy head of the Department for external Church relations (DECR) of the Moscow Patriarchate Archpriest Nikolai Balashov.
This week, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country protects the cultural heritage of Christianity, citing as example the restoration of one of the world's oldest Orthodox monasteries of Panagia Sumela in Trabzon province in northeast Turkey. Patriarch Bartholomew thanked on the phone to Erdogan for the restoration of the monastery, which was due to open after restoration.
Lock channel "Tsargrad" on YouTube - work on the degradation of the Russian people and sabotage against the idea, said the Deputy head of the Moscow Patriarchate, Bishop Savva (Tutunov).
Previously YouTube blocked the account of the network edition of "Tsargrad" and the eponymous TV channel, after which the publication announced the intention to go to court. In "Constantinople" drew attention to the blocking of YouTube account publications "double-Headed eagle". From "Constantinople" and the "double eagle" General guidance: according to the site "Constantinople", the businessman Konstantin Malofeyev - founder of the channel "Tsargrad". He also holds the position of Chairman of the society for the development of Russian historical education, "double-Headed eagle".
God has blessed human to explore the cosmos, it can reconcile peoples and to stop the soldiers, told RIA Novosti on Friday the head of the world Union of the old believers, Leonid Sevastianov.
He drew attention to earlier on Thursday the start of the American research Rover Perseverance, the mission of which is to search for traces of life on Mars.
Charity event to help the needy "Charity on the run" will be held during the September half marathon, the report said the Orthodox service of assistance "Mercy".
"Orthodox service "Mercy" announced the beginning of the annual charitable action "Mercy on the run". According to tradition, the main race will be the Moscow marathon, scheduled for September 20. For those who are not willing to participate in events or will not be in Moscow, "Charity" organizes an online race in Zoom", - stated in the message.
The spread of the practice of surrogacy will lead to an increase in the number of crimes, said Thursday the Chairman of the Synodal Department of the Moscow Patriarchate on relations of the Church with society and mass-media Vladimir Legoyda.
In January 2020 in Odintsovo in the Moscow region Investigative Committee in Moscow, was prosecuted for causing death by negligence and human trafficking. In one of the apartments of the village of VNIISSOK, it was discovered the body of a newborn from a surrogate mother of the child. Cause of infant death were sudden infant death syndrome newborn. In the apartment, investigators found three more children born for sale. Charged with human trafficking in the case were arrested seven people, one defendant was sent under house arrest.
Specialists in the framework of large-scale restoration will paint from 600 to 880 meters vault of the lower Church of St. Vladimir Cathedral in Chersonesos, reported Wednesday RIA Novosti the head of the press service of the Foundation "My story" Alexander Tarasov.
The Foundation "My story" holds the accomplishment of the Museum-reserve "Chersonese" in 2017. According to the Foundation, the facility is already renovated the lower Church St. John the Baptist, prepared for painting the ceiling vaults, set the font and candle holders made of natural stone, adjacent to the temple area built outdoor cinema and also announced the permanent utilities.
The Buguruslan district court of the Orenburg region extended the detention of the priest Clement, who is accused of pedophilia, until 29 September, told RIA Novosti in court.
Earlier investigation reported that charged with committing crimes against sexual inviolability of minors 40-year-old resident of the Orenburg region. Source Agency reported that accused of pedophilia in relation to three children is hieromonk Clement (in the world – Korablev). After that, the diocese suspended Korableva from the priesthood during the investigation. The defendant was arrested.
The representative of polytopes the Taliban in Qatar, Suhail Shaheen said the Taliban will release remaining Afghan prisoners before Eid al-Adha, thus completing the release of thousands of prisoners.
"The Islamic Emirate... release the remaining prisoners of the Kabul administration to Eid al-Adha (Eid - ed), thus completing the release of thousands of prisoners," wrote Shaheen on Twitter.
At sunset on Wednesday, Israel began to celebrate Tisha b'av - day of fasting and mourning, which accounted for all of the most tragic events of the Jewish people.
In this day of Jewish fasting includes full abstinence from food and drink, as well as from any activity, despite the fact that ascetic practices are not peculiar to Judaism, told RIA Novosti Rabbi Michael Kogan.
The mother superior of the Vyksa Iversky nunnery antoniya (Mironova), who previously identified coronavirus, has died, according to the press service of the Nizhny Novgorod diocese.
The Vyksa Iversky women's monastery was closed by the congregation with the 4th of July. According to the Vyksa diocese, it was made "in connection with the identification of the mother superior of the Vyksa Iversky nunnery abbess Antonia (Mironova) coronavirus infection COVID-19". All the rooms of the monastery were disinfected, the contact person is isolated, the residents placed under medical observation.
Stream sermons and public prayers in Eid al-Fitr on July 31 will be available on TV channels "Russia 1" and "360", said Wednesday the first Deputy Chairman of the Council of Muftis of Russia, mufti of Moscow region Rushan Abbyasov.
The feast of the sacrifice Eid al-Adha (Turkic), or ID al-Adha (Arabic) is one of the main festivals of the Muslims. It is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah of the Islamic lunar calendar and lasts three days. Every year the date of the holiday changes, in 2020, Eid al-Adha begins on July 31.
Festive prayers on the Muslim Eid al-Fitr in Chechnya will be held in strict compliance with mask mode and social distance due to the pandemic, reported RIA Novosti the representative of the Spiritual administration of Muslims of Chechnya.
Chechen authorities in connection with the feast of Eid al-Adha declared a Republic two days - 30 and 31 July. Celebrations are not cancelled, but authorities have warned of the need for strict compliance with safety standards in the context of the pandemic. Earlier in June, the Muftiate of the Republic abolished introduced because of the coronavirus, a ban on collective prayers in mosques, while retaining restrictions for the elderly and people with chronic diseases.
To appreciate every moment of life with patience and attention to others encouraged among believers, the first Deputy mufti of Tatarstan Rustam Valiullin and Deputy Chairman of Council of Muftis of Russia Rushan Abbyasov at the press conference of the project "Religion and ideology" in MIA "Russia today".
The feast of the sacrifice Eid al-Adha (Turkic), or ID al-Adha (Arabic) is one of the main festivals of the Muslims. It is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah of the Islamic lunar calendar and lasts three days. Every year the date of the holiday changes, in 2020, Eid al-Adha begins on July 31.
The cost of the Hajj pilgrimage to the Holy sites of Islam in Saudi Arabia to 2021 will increase due to the increase in VAT, the trip now costs an average of 3 thousand dollars, said Wednesday the first Deputy Chairman of the Council of Muftis of Russia, mufti of Moscow region Rushan Abbyasov.
"The average price of a single, plus-minus can be each region, depending on the package somewhere there is food, somewhere in there, somewhere closer to the places of pilgrimage, somewhere a little further away - overall, somewhere in the $ 3200 is a trip," said Abbyasov at the conference in MIA "Russia today".
The commander of the militia of the Syrian Christian town of Scalby Nabil Abdullah announced the intention to build in his hometown chapel with a symbolic name Hagia Sophia.
"It's symbolic of a small Church not more than four metres in height and four in width. This small chapel is designed to show the real face of Syria, where two different civilizations and culture. Especially in this town (Salbei) who received more than 4 thousand refugees who fled from terror," - told RIA Novosti Abdallah.
Chairman of the Spiritual administration of Muslims of St. Petersburg mufti Ravil of Ponchaev urged the faithful to stay home on Eid al-Adha, which falls on Friday, the press service of the Governor.
"We normally spend the holiday meeting this afternoon, but because of the coronavirus now it is better not to put yourself in danger, stay home and celebrate the holiday in their native range," said Pankeev, whose words are reported.
The Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, Kirill urged the clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church to work more with people, particularly the intelligentsia, which often "prone to failure" and also "to expand the circle of influence," the message published on the website of the Russian Orthodox Church on Wednesday.
"If that isn't enough in our pastoral work, is the relationship with our modern intelligentsia, who, in virtue of certain critical plants peculiar to the intelligentsia, often falls into extremes and the fruit of which is often not the creation, and destruction," - said the Patriarch during the festive meal after Liturgy on the occasion of the Day of the baptism of Rus on July 28.
Muslims in the Russian Federation regions are recommended not to visit mass events during the celebration of Eid al-Adha, the statement said the Council of Ulema of the Spiritual Assembly of Russian Muslims (DSMR) published on the website of the organization.
The feast of the sacrifice Eid al-Adha (Turkic), or ID al-Adha (Arabic) is one of the main festivals of the Muslims. It is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah of the Islamic lunar calendar and lasts three days. Every year the date of the holiday changes, in 2020, Eid al-Adha begins on July 31.
Russian Ummah in solidarity with the position of the Russian government and said the decision about turning Hagia Sophia into a mosque an internal affair of Turkey, said Wednesday the first Deputy Chairman of the Council of Muftis of Russia, mufti of Moscow region Rushan Abbyasov.
Hagia Sophia (Hagia Sophia) was founded by the Christian Emperor Justinian and inaugurated in 537 year. The Cathedral is about a thousand years was the largest Christian Church in the world. After the capture of Constantinople by the Ottomans and the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453, the Cathedral was converted into a mosque but since 1934 the building by decree of the founder of the modern Turkish state Kemal Ataturk became a Museum and was included in the world heritage list of UNESCO.
In the Hajj – the pilgrimage to Mecca this year will be attended by 10 thousand people, while usually on the order of 2.5 million, said Wednesday the first Deputy Chairman of the Council of Muftis of Russia, mufti of Moscow region Rushan Abbyasov.
"Haj started today. Tomorrow will be standing on mount Arafat. According to our data, in this year, the Hajj makes ten thousand people, of which three thousand subjects of the Kingdom, and about seven thousand foreign residents who were in the Kingdom: students, those who are on a business trip. Usually the Hajj makes about 2.5 million people," said Abbyasov at the press conference of the project "Religion and ideology" in MIA "Russia today".
In Moscow will appear before the court a man attacked with a knife parishioners at the Church of St. Nicholas, said the official representative of the Ministry of internal Affairs of Russia Irina Wolf.
On the morning of 16 February 26-the summer inhabitant of Lipetsk Efim Efimov entered the building of the temple on Bakuninskaya street and stabbed two parishioners. Then he was arrested, and seized a knife, gloves, and a packet of "substance of a phytogenesis".
Patriarchal divine Liturgy on the day of the assumption on August 15 in the monastery of Panagia Sumela in Trabzon - one of the world's oldest Orthodox monasteries - this year will not take place because of the ban of the Turkish authorities in connection with the pandemic, said the Church of Constantinople.
The monastery is inactive. In 2010, the first in decades in this service was conducted in the assumption of the virgin - one of the great feasts of Orthodoxy. Liturgy conducted by the Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew. As reported, the ROC, the first since 1922, the Liturgy in the monastery Panagia Sumela became possible as a result of agreements entered into by the Department for external Church relations of the Moscow Patriarchate with the Ministry of culture and tourism of the Turkish Republic and the leadership of the Trabzon province. The last five years, worship services are not held there.
Sredneuralskaya convent, where defrocked schemamonk Sergius could not provide activities to children's education due to the fact that the monastery left the teaching staff and the school at the monastery, there is no golitsinskiy, told RIA Novosti in the press service of the Yekaterinburg diocese.
Earlier, the representative of father Sergius Vsevolod Moguchev on the page in sotsseti "Vkontakte" wrote about readiness of the monastery in the new school year over 100 students.
Patriarch Bartholomew thanked on the phone with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan for restoration of Orthodox monastery of Sumela, said the administration of the Turkish leader.
On the eve of Erdogan said that his country protects the cultural heritage of Christianity, citing as example the restoration of one of the world's oldest Orthodox monasteries of Panagia Sumela in Trabzon province in northeast Turkey.
The Moscow Patriarchate described the initiative of the Orthodox public movement to move the celebration of Russia Day from June 12 to July 28 is the day of the baptism of Rus as "interesting", which could be the beginning of "deep discussion healthy public forces".
Previously, the movement "forty times Forty" proposed to consider the Day of the baptism of Russia July 28, "the real Day of Russia" because "it was July 28, 988 the beginning of the Russian statehood, which has developed into a thousand years of Russia".
The Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Kirill was reinstated as rector of the metochion of the Nikolo-Perervinsky monastery in Moscow Archpriest Vladimir Chuvikin previously violated Church regulations about the order of worship during quarantine mode.
"Archpriest Vladimir Chuvikin, suspended from your post of rector in the churches of the Patriarchal metochion of the Nikolo-Perervinsky monastery in Moscow, is restored to his position," - said in a statement the decree of the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Collective prayers in mosques and prayer houses in the suburbs of Eid al-Adha is not planned, the ritual is recommended for home or outdoors, reports the main Department of regional security of Moscow region.
"This year, due to the spread of coronavirus infection, the implementation of a mass celebratory collective prayers in mosques and prayer houses in Moscow region are planned, citizens are advised to do the ritual at home or outdoors," said Deputy Chairman of the regional government, the head of the main Department of regional security of the Moscow region Roman Karataev who quotes a press-service.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country protects the cultural heritage of Christianity, citing as example the restoration of one of the world's oldest Orthodox monasteries of Panagia Sumela in Trabzon province.
"In Turkey there are many major cultural sites of world significance. The Sumela monastery is one of the symbols of our country. Here the traces of many civilizations. For years, we are working to maintain the monastery. We never sought to destroy these objects, on the contrary, tried to save them," - said Erdogan, speaking at a ceremony marking the completion of the second phase of the restoration of the monastery of Panagia Sumela. It has been broadcast on Twitter by the Turkish leader.
. Radical movement "Taliban" declared a three-day ceasefire in Afghanistan during Eid al-Fitr (Eid al-Adha), said in a statement the movement.
"To our countrymen is very calm and having a happy holiday, all the fighters of the "Islamic Emirate" is specified during the three days and nights of Eid al-Adha on its part not to conduct any operations against the enemy," - said in a statement the Taliban.
Patriarch Kirill urged not to abandon Orthodoxy and to follow the historical choice of Prince Vladimir, who baptized Rus in 988.
Orthodox believers celebrate on 28 July the Day of the baptism of Rus, which took place in 988. Since 2010, the public holiday is a memorable date in Russia. In the Orthodox Church calendar is the day of memory of Prince Vladimir (960-1015), the Baptizer of Rus', whom historians called the great, the Church of the Holy equal to the apostles, and the people called Vladimir the Red Sun.
The Christian Church age of 1,300 years, with richly decorated mosaic floors, which are apparently part of a monastery, discovered by Israeli archaeologists during excavations in the village of Kfar Kama near mount Tabor, according to the Israeli antiquities authority.
"The Church age 1,300 years, with richly decorated mosaic floors was discovered in the Circassian village of Kfar Kama, near mount Tabor during the excavations conducted by the Israel antiquities authority, in cooperation with the Academic College Kinneret, with the support of local volunteers. Catholic Archbishop Dr. Youssef Matta, head of the Greek Catholic Church in Israel, personally visited this place and was inspired by the ancient ruins", - stated in the message of the Israeli antiquities authority.
Holiday namaz (prayers) on 31 July on the occasion of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha in the capital of Kazakhstan will not because of the coronavirus, said Tuesday the administration Nur-Sultan.
In Kazakhstan over the past day revealed 1 526 cases of infection with coronavirus, the total number of infections has reached 84 648. The number of recovered patients exceeds 52.5 thousand. The country recorded 610 deaths from the coronavirus. The Cabinet of Ministers of Kazakhstan from July 5 introduced in the country a two-week quarantine because of the complications of the epidemiological situation and the increase in the prevalence of coronavirus infection, later the restrictions were extended to August 2nd.
The office of the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky in the congratulation on the occasion of the baptism of Russia said that the adoption of Christian values was an important pointer to the way of the Ukrainian people for independence, they quenched it in the struggle for territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country.
The twenty-eighth of July, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Baptism of Rus.
The Russian Orthodox Church on Tuesday celebrates the memory of St. Prince Vladimir and the baptism of Rus ' Day. The Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Kirill on this day will have a festive divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
"The core of religious life is the divine Liturgy, and on the Day of the baptism of Russia, when the Orthodox Church celebrates the memory of Holy Prince Vladimir, in all the churches held worship services, and his Holiness Patriarch Kirill will lead a divine service at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, which will begin at 10 a.m.", - told reporters the Deputy head of the Synodal Department for Church and society and the media Vakhtang Kipshidze.
The former President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko said that he was proud excited against him the matter in connection with the receipt of the Tomos of autocephaly of the so-called Orthodox Church in Ukraine (PCU).
"Dozens of politically motivated cases filed against me by the order (of the President of Ukraine – ed.) Zelensky, there is one that I am particularly proud of. This is a case of Tomos, which granted independence to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine... In key positions in the office of the President now are people who openly lobbied for the interests of the Russian Church in Ukraine", - Poroshenko said in a video message published on his page in Facebook on Tuesday on the occasion of the baptism of Rus.
Russian President Vladimir Putin during a telephone conversation congratulated Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish people with the upcoming holiday of Eid al-Adha, press service of the Kremlin.
"Vladimir Putin congratulated the President of Turkey and the Turkish people with the upcoming holiday of Eid al-Adha", - stated in the message.
Five hundred law enforcement officers will always carry the service in Ayia Sofia, said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The Supreme administrative court of Turkey on 10 July annulled the decision of 1934 the transformation of Hagia Sophia into a Museum. Immediately after that, Erdogan said that he had signed a decree about the transformation of the Cathedral into a mosque and the beginning of Muslim worship there. The first prayer was done at the Aya Sofia on July 24.
The adoption of the amendment about God in the Constitution of Russia is the confirmation of the choice of the Holy Prince Vladimir's baptism of Rus, said on Monday Deputy Chairman of the Synodal Department of the Moscow Patriarchate on relations of the Church with society and the media Vakhtang Kipshidze.
Orthodox believers celebrate on 28 July the Day of the baptism of Rus, which took place in 988. Since 2010, the public holiday is a memorable date in Russia. In the Orthodox Church calendar is the day of memory of Prince Vladimir (960-1015), the Baptizer of Rus', whom historians called the great, the Church of the Holy equal to the apostles, and the people called Vladimir the Red Sun.
Russian Orthodox Church supported the announcement of a ceasefire in the Donbass, and praying for his success, said Monday the employee of the Department for external Church relations of the Moscow Patriarchate deacon Feodor Shulga.
"From the Russian Church we pray for the success of the peace initiatives", - said Shulga at a press conference in MIA "Russia today".
The position of the Russian Orthodox Church over the status of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is not political and ideological, it is not a continuation of Russian policy, said Monday the Deputy Chairman of the Synodal Department of the Moscow Patriarchate on relations of the Church with society and the media Vakhtang Kipshidze.
The Supreme administrative court of Turkey on 10 July annulled the decision of 1934 the transformation of Hagia Sophia into a Museum. Immediately after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he had signed a decree about the transformation of the Cathedral into a mosque and the beginning of Muslim worship there. In UNESCO, the number of States of the world and in the Russian Orthodox Church, unfortunately, reacted to this decision.
Local churches must speak with one voice on the issue of changing the status of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, which turned from a Museum into a mosque, said the employee of the Department for external Church relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, deacon Feodor Shulga at the press conference of the project "Religion and ideology" in MIA "Russia today".
Hagia Sophia (Hagia Sophia) was founded by the Christian Emperor Justinian and inaugurated in 537 year. The Cathedral is about a thousand years was the largest Christian Church in the world. After the capture of Constantinople by the Ottomans and the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453, the Cathedral was converted into a mosque but since 1934 the building by decree of the founder of the modern Turkish state Kemal Ataturk became a Museum and was included in the world heritage list of UNESCO. In mid-July, the state Council of Turkey annulled the decision of 1934, the mosque started again services. In UNESCO, the number of States of the world and in the Russian Orthodox and many Orthodox churches around the world with regret about this decision. Russian authorities announced the decision at the Hagia Sophia a domestic affair of Turkey.
State Museum-monument St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg has no plans to reduce employees because of losses on the background of the epidemiological situation, announced the Director of the Museum Yuri Mudrov.
"We're not cutting and not going to cut," said wise at a press conference in the online mode.
Prayer in the Church of Hagia Sophia, the burning of the temple in Nantes, the demolitions of monuments in the West are a blow not only to abandon Christianity in Europe but also in Russia, and the best lesson from this – to preserve their own civilization and culture, said the Deputy head of the Moscow Patriarchate Bishop Zelenograd Savva (Tutunov).
"Prayer in the Church of Hagia Sophia... the burning of the temple in Nantes (not the first burning of the temple in France for a year, not to mention other anti-Christian actions)... Someone will say, perhaps even with some smile: this otvetka for Europe's abandonment of Christianity. What are you laughing at? Over our common tragedy laugh!" - posted by Bishop Savva in his Telegram channel.
Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque in the town of al-Bireh in the vicinity of Ramallah in the West Bank, told WAFA news Agency.
"The settlers stormed the city at dawn, and wrote racist slogans on the inner walls of the mosque and set fire to the building", - quotes Agency the statement of the mayor of al-Bireh Azzam Ismail.
The former press Secretary of the patriarchs Alexy II and Kirill, now the rector of the University Church of St. Tatiana, a well-known priest-publicist Vladimir Vigilyansky published a book-diary "Russian key". It is written on the basis of his own essays on Facebook, including on topical socio-political themes, said the author in an interview with RIA Novosti.
"The language of social networks and the language of books is different. However, there are some common goals. This desire in the genre of "diary of the priest" to give the Orthodox response to any private, public, and public issues, a way to sanctify worldly facts and social processes of Evangelical light, to saturate the senses of historical events..." - said Vigilyansky.
Pray for the preservation of the ceasefire in the Donbass urged the faithful Chancellor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC-MP) Metropolitan Antonii of Boryspil and Brovary, said in a statement on the website of the information Department of the UOC.
Since July 27, the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics go to a full permanent cease-fire. The relevant orders issued control of the militia DND and LNR. This week the contact group in Minsk agreed on additional measures to ensure the truce in the Donbass. They include a ban of offensive and acts of sabotage, fire, including sniper, placing weapons in the settlements and disciplinary liability for violation of the ceasefire.
The head of Bashkortostan Radiy Khabirov said that during the celebration of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha in the mosques of the region should be no more than 100 people to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection.
"The thirty-first of July will be the Muslim holiday Kurban — Bayram, very favorite holiday. Traditionally taken to gather, to conduct a ritual sacrifice. But given the sanitary and epidemiological rules, we and our spiritual leaders have held consultations on how to carry out. Again, there are a number of standards for how to spend it. It and one person to four square feet and no more than 100 people in the mosque. I beg you to pay attention," said Habirov at the operative meeting of the government of Bashkiria.
Commissioner for the rights of the child in the Russian Federation Anna Kuznetsova told RIA Novosti that he had seen the film TV presenter Ksenia Sobchak about the beating of children in Sredneuralskaya convent, however, noted that before the end of the investigation talk about objectivity is difficult.
Previously, Kuznetsov told RIA Novosti that more to bringing this story wide publicity to clarify information and was in touch with the Commissioner in the region, and also said that he will send the appeal to the Prosecutor General and the Investigative Committee to check information on cases of ill-treatment of children in the monastery.
Pope Francis welcomed the announcement of a new cease-fire in the Donbass.
"The only way to restore confidence and to create preconditions for the much-needed and much-anticipated people of reconciliation," said Pope Francis.
Festive prayer in the capital on Eid al-Fitr on July 31 will be conducted only in the Moscow Cathedral mosque with the participation only of the clergy, no congregation, reports the website of the Spiritual administration of Muslims (DUM) of the Russian Federation with reference to the decision of the Council of Ulema (theologians) of DOOM.
"In connection with the threat of the spread of the new coronavirus infection (2019-nCoV), the Eid prayer in Moscow will be held only in a congregational mosque with the participation of imams, muezzins and Deputy mufti. In other mosques and local religious organizations of Muslims (MROM) Eid Salaah should be held", - stated in the decree.
Regional muftiats independently decide the format of the celebration of Eid on 31 July, taking into account the epidemiological situation in each subject of the Russian Federation, reports the website of the Spiritual administration of Muslims (DUM) of the Russian Federation with reference to the decision of the Council of Ulema (theologians) of DOOM.
"The Ulema Council decided that the regional spiritual administration of Muslims that are part of the DUM of the Russian Federation, make their own decision on the procedure for the prayer of Eid al-Adha taking into account the current epidemiological situation in the regions", - stated in the decree.
The head of the Department for external Church relations (DECR) of the Moscow Patriarchate Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk said he was ready to become one of participants of the Russian vaccine against coronavirus.
The TV channel "Russia 24" the anchorwoman asked Metropolitan Hilarion that he would agree to become one of the pioneers who will test on itself a new vaccine.
Holy Feodosievsky monastery in Kiev was closed on quarantine from-for a COVID-19, said on Saturday the press service of the religious community.
According to Ministry of health of Ukraine, as of July 25, in the country identified 63 929 cases COVID-19, died from infection 1590 people. Just recovered 35 497 people, including 611 - over the past day.
Schemamonk Sergius (Nicholas Romanov) has no plans to leave them based Sredneuralskaya convent after revoking his ecclesiastical court, Sana, reported RIA Novosti the representative of the cleric Vsevolod Moguchev.
On Friday, the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Kirill has approved the earlier decision of the court of the Yekaterinburg diocese, who was deprived of schemamonk Sergius of dignity. In the diocese of Yekaterinburg, RIA Novosti stated that Sergius must leave the monastery.
None of the buildings on the territory Sredneuralskaya convent belongs to the Yekaterinburg diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, all things were created by private money, said to RIA Novosti on Saturday, a representative of the schema-monk Sergius Vsevolod Moguchev, noting that the schema-monk is not the owner.
On Friday, the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Kirill has approved the earlier decision of the court of the Yekaterinburg diocese, who was deprived of schemamonk Sergius of dignity. The Yekaterinburg diocese said that father Sergius should leave the monastery. Meanwhile, schemamonk said it has no plans to leave them based Sredneuralskaya convent.
The official representative the Ministry of foreign Affairs of Turkey Hami Aksoy condemned the reaction of the Greek authorities on the first namaz in a mosque of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and the rally in Thessaloniki, which participants burned a Turkish flag.
Earlier, Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that the transformation of Hagia Sophia into a mosque is not a manifestation of strength and proof of the weakness of Turkey. According to him, Turkey violates the peace, "challenging the sovereign rights of Greece and Cyprus and insulting the culture of the XXI century through such actions."
Opinions polled by RIA Novosti of Turkish citizens on their attitude to change the status of Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofia) in Istanbul and complete it on Friday, the first since 1934, the prayer is divided. Some of them will see this event return to the traditions of the Ottoman Empire in the days of her power, the other - another attack on secular principles established by the founder of the Turkish Republic by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
In the first after a long break prayer in the Aya Sofia was attended by President Recep Tayyip erdoğan, who said Sura of the Koran al-Fatiha before the service. All, according to him, the prayer was attended by about 350 thousand Muslims.
Virtual photo exhibition "the Church in the period of the pandemic" was opened with the support of the several dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church, said in a message posted on the website of the ROC on Friday.
"Launched a joint project of Rostov, Yakutsk, and Yaroslavl dioceses Shakhty — the virtual exhibition "the Church in the period of the pandemic." The authors of the project presented not only pictures of worship in the deserted temples, but also bring the views of the bishops, priests, and parishioners about their experience made us think about how to build relationships in your family, parish Church", - is told in the message.
First since 1934 Friday prayers ended in converted into a mosque Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the correspondent of RIA Novosti.
In prayer was attended by the President of Turkey, Tayyip Erdogan, who uttered the first Sura of the Koran, "al-Fatiha" before the service. It was broadcast on large screens installed in the square. The believers gathered there welcomed a Turkish leader with cries of "Allah Akbar".
Russian Orthodox Church considers hasty and politically motivated decision on the transformation of Hagia Sophia from Museum to mosque, said Friday, RIA Novosti source in the Russian Orthodox Church.
The Supreme administrative court of Turkey on 10 July annulled the decision of 1934 the transformation of Hagia Sophia into a Museum. Immediately after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he had signed a decree about the transformation of the Cathedral into a mosque and the beginning of Muslim worship there. Friday at Hagia Sophia in Istanbul was the first after 1934 Friday prayer.
Mourning bells sounded on Friday on Cyprus and some cities of Greece in connection with the conversion of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul into a mosque.
The Supreme administrative court of Turkey on 10 July annulled the decision of 1934 the transformation of Hagia Sophia into a Museum. Immediately after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he had signed a decree about the transformation of the Cathedral into a mosque and the beginning of Muslim worship there. Friday at Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is the first after 1934 Friday prayer.
Vice-President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas, the representative of Greece in the leadership of the EC, expressed his regret for the transformation of Hagia Sophia into a mosque.
"As a Greek I feel bitterness, I feel the outrage on this issue. This is a difficult day, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who is experiencing similar emotions. I believe Turkey will at some point have to decide what should be its geopolitical position and with whom she wants to be together in the future. If Turkey wants to go with the European Union based on European values, if so, what is happening today in Hagia Sophia is a bad otravny point," he said at a press conference.
Prayers in Hagia Sophia after its conversion to a mosque are not a disaster for Christendom is a question rather political for a Turkish leader Tayyip Erdogan, but at the same time a blow to the "Greek messianism", the Director of the human rights center of world Russian people's Council religious expert Roman Silantyev.
Earlier in the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul started first after 1934 Friday prayers, Erdogan said the adhan (call to prayer).
Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Kirill blessed on July 28, the Day of the baptism of Rus to ring the bells of all churches of the Russian Orthodox Church, said in a message posted Friday on the website of the ROC.
"July 28, 2020, the Day of the baptism of Russia in all Russian Orthodox churches in the framework of the campaign "Thank you, God!" will be done bell-ringing", - stated in the message.
Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis met on Friday with Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa Theodore II, most of the meeting was devoted to change the status of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and its transformation into a mosque, the press service of the Prime Minister.
"During the meeting they had the opportunity to exchange views about the various activities of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate on the African continent, as well as on important contemporary issues such as the situation with the pandemic. Much of the discussion focused on the status of the Hagia Sophia and turning it into a mosque, with both sides expressing disappointment with the decision, which is a blow to the peaceful coexistence of religions and an unprecedented insult to the world heritage of UNESCO", - stated in the message.
The President of the United States Donald trump at a meeting with Archbishop of America Orthodox Church of Constantinople Elpidoforos the White house expressed strong dissatisfaction with the decision of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to make the Hagia Sophia into a mosque, reports the Athens news Agency AMNA.
"After the planned 30-minute meeting, which the Archbishop of Elpidophor held with the Vice-President of the United States Mike Pence in Washington, Trump said that the White house is the Archbishop, he invited him into his office and discussed all critical topics within 15 minutes," the Agency said.
The Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Kirill urged parties to armed conflict on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue the dialogue and don't go on about those "who benefits from increasing tensions in the Caucasus", the statements on the website of the ROC.
In the Russian Orthodox Church recalled that on 12 July on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan "has again erupted in armed confrontation" that led to casualties on both sides.
The reason for the popularity defrocked schemamonk Sergius (Romanova) his followers, among them prominent figures of culture, may derive from their ignorance, and of Sergius negative impact could "tubesca" fame, believes the head of the Synodal Department for Church and society and the media Vladimir Legoyda.
"The people who to him (Sergius - ed.) go, including our honored artists and stuff, they seem to be because educated people. But why they think that Christianity is this? Although the fact that he says, I don't see any connection with the gospel. This is for anything relevant, except the gospel," - said Legoyda during the online live communication platform "Moscow international salon of education".
Often sarcastic and critical attitude of modern youth to the Russian Orthodox Church is due, in particular, often reprehensible conduct of the clergy and laity, the head of the Synodal Department of the Moscow Patriarchate on relations of the Church with society and mass-media Vladimir Legoyda.
"Today, quite often representatives of the Church give reason some... by "representatives" I mean just priests and laity, they give a reason for such a (critical edition) reviews. This, of course, so too" - said Legoyda during the conversation with the leading historical popular channel "11 ECU" on Youtube.
The head of the Department of religious Affairs of Turkey Ali Erbas announced the appointment of three of the five imams and muezzins in the mosque converted into the Cathedral of St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia) in Istanbul, where Friday will be the first in 86 years of service.
The Supreme administrative court of Turkey on 10 July annulled the decision of 1934 the transformation of Hagia Sophia into a Museum. Immediately after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he had signed a decree about the transformation of the Cathedral into a mosque and the beginning of Muslim worship there.
Monument to Jews executed by the Nazis in 1942 in the village of Novoshcherbinovskaya, Krasnodar Krai, opens on Thursday at the initiative of local residents, said the press service of the Russian Jewish Congress (RJC).
A memorial in the City opened the burial place of the 202 people who were executed by the Nazis on 8 September 1942. Most of them were Jewish refugees from the territory of modern Moldova and Romania.
The community of historians expects to publish more detailed information about the results of historical and archival expertise in the investigation of the assassination of the Royal Romanov family until the specialists have a lot of questions, said to RIA Novosti historian and public figure Anatoly Stepanov.
Previously associate Professor, history and archives Institute RGGU Eugene Pchelov who participated in the research, told RIA Novosti about the end of history and documentary (archival) examination, which, according to him, confirmed the authenticity of the "Yekaterinburg remains". According to Pchelova, due to the combined analysis of primary sources managed to recover a fairly complete picture of what happened in the days leading up to the death of the Royal family, and after the brutal murder. It remained unclear, only "private matters" and "the picture of the clarified".
Died a famous Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, almost 30 years head of the Vladimir diocese Metropolitan Eulogius (Smirnov), said on Thursday the Deputy head of the Moscow Patriarchate Bishop Zelenograd Savva (Tutunov).
According to him, Metropolitan Eulogius died Wednesday. The Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church was 83 the last time he served - was at rest.
Authority of the city of Sitka in Alaska has not yet offered to the local historical Museum and to establish there a monument to Alexander Baranov, Governor of Russian settlements in North America, told RIA Novosti the head of the Museum Hal Spackman.
Previously the town Council after treatment of a group of citizens took the decision to move the monument from the center of Sitka at the Museum.
Archbishop Sicinski and Alaska (Orthodox Church in America) David Mahaffey spoke against the demolition in American city Sitka of the monument to Alexander Baranov, Governor of Russian settlements in North America, stating that such a move would only lead to "loss of history".
The Sitka Council on July 14 unanimously adopted a resolution on the transfer of the monument to the Baranov Museum from the city centre. Russia's Ambassador to the U.S. Anatoly Antonov after that reported that the number of Russian cities - Arkhangelsk, Irkutsk, Magadan - ready to buy a monument and transported it to yourself.
The restoration of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in the French city Nantes, where the fire occurred, it may take three years, experts say.
The fire in the Cathedral of Nantes took place on Saturday, July 18. The fire, in particular, was completely destroyed by the great organ of the Cathedral. The Prosecutor's office of Nantes announced the launch of the investigation on suspicion of intentional arson of the Cathedral. But on Tuesday the interior Minister of France said that while there were no signs confirming the version of the arson and the fire may be accidental in nature.
Proper use of masks, healthy eating and physical activity in the fresh air will help not to get sick or easier to move COVID-19, said in an interview with RIA Novosti, the head physician of the Central clinical hospital imeni svyatitelya aleksiya Alex Zaroff.
"In my opinion, in order not to get sick or to transfer the disease (coronavirus – ed.) easier, it is very important to maintain physical activity, such as walking outdoors or running. It is certainly important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating," said Zaroff.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shared in his Twitter a video for the song about the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, converted from a Museum into a mosque, the composition is performed in nine languages.
The state Council, Turkey's highest administrative court – July 10, annulled the decision of 1934 the transformation of Hagia Sophia into a Museum. Immediately after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that he had signed a decree about the transformation of the Cathedral into a mosque and the beginning of Muslim worship there. In UNESCO, the number of States of the world and in the Russian Orthodox Church, unfortunately, reacted to this decision.
To do good and to pray about making a great pilgrimage to the Holy sites of Islam in Saudi Arabia in the coming years, as well as the termination of the epidemic coronavirus called on the faithful Chairman of the Council of Muftis of Russia (SMR) and the Spiritual administration of Muslims (DUM) of the Russian Federation mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, the message of which is published on the website of the DUMAS of the Russian Federation.
Traditionally during the month of Dhul Hijjah, which in 2020 were launched on 21 July, the Muslims decided to make the Hajj, or pilgrimage to the Holy sites of Islam. Believers, first of all, visit the sacred mosque in Mecca, and also try to visit the prophet's Mosque in Medina. The government of Saudi Arabia 27 February, suspended the entry into the country for the purpose of pilgrimage to Mecca and visiting Medina, the epidemic of the coronavirus.
Signs confirming the version of arson in the Cathedral of Nantes, yet, the fire may be accidental in nature, said the interior Minister of France Gerald Darmanin.
The fire in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Nantes happened last Saturday, July 18. The fire was completely destroyed, in particular, a large body of the Cathedral. The Prosecutor's office of Nantes announced the launch of the investigation on suspicion of intentional arson of the Cathedral. On Sunday, police arrested 39-year-old man, who was a volunteer in the temple and had to close the door the day of the fire. The same day he was released, he was not charged with any crime.
In Russian regions there is still a "huge shortage" of imams, reported the press service of the Spiritual administration of Muslims (DUM) of the Russian Federation with reference to the first Deputy head of DOOM, the rector of Moscow Islamic Institute (MIA) Damir Muhetdinov.
"The first Deputy mufti stressed that in the regions remains a huge shortage of imams and to revitalize community life, for the organization of educational system and social work are required young, well-educated, strong-willed and ready to selflessly serving imams", - is spoken in the message published on the website of the DUMAS of the Russian Federation.
The Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Kirill urged to pray before the Kazan icon of the Mother of God for deliverance of the world from the coronavirus, as well as for guidance on the right path in life.
The Russian Orthodox Church on Tuesday celebrates the holiday in honor of the icon of the mother of God "of Kazan", one of the most famous and revered images in Russia. The Patriarch celebrated in the Cathedral of the Kazan icon of the Mother of God on red square Kazan Church service, which was broadcasted on the website of the ROC.
In the Russian Orthodox Church in the period from 14 to July 20, has recorded the reduction of donations of food, the number of requests for food assistance remains high, the message of the Synodal Department of the Moscow Patriarchate for Church charity and social service, published on the website of the ROC.
"Reduced the number of donations for food for the needy. A fundraiser organized by the Synodal Department for Church charity and social service and is on the website Miloserdie. The number of requests for assistance does not decrease", - is spoken in the message.
The Russian Orthodox Church on Tuesday celebrates the holiday in honor of the icon of the mother of God "of Kazan", one of the most famous and revered images in Russia. The divine Liturgy in the famous Kazan Cathedral in Northern capital will make this day the Metropolitan of St. Petersburg and Ladoga Varsonofy.
According to legend, shortly after the capture of the Kazan khanate by Ivan the Terrible in 1579 after a fire destroyed part of the city, the girl, the Matron saw in a dream the mother of God, who had ordered to dig out her icon from the ashes, and 21 July in a specified location at a depth of about a meter is really the icon was found. According to one version, it is still under Muslim rule buried there one of the Christian to hide their faith.
Church with rare cast-iron floors will be built for the first time in Moscow, reported on Monday the press service of the curator of the program, the state Duma Deputy Vladimir resin.
"The temple in honor of the Hieromartyr Hermogenes, Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, for the first time in the history of the construction of the temples of the "Program 200" will be applied rare technology with the installation of cast iron flooring", - said resin, whose words are in the press release.
Historical and archival examination conducted as part of the investigation of the murder of the Romanov Royal family, confirmed the authenticity of the "Ekaterinburg remains," said RIA Novosti head of the Department auxiliary and special historical disciplines history and archives Institute RSUH, candidate of historical Sciences Yevgeny Pchelov, who participated in the studies.
In July 2018, the representative of the RF IC reported that the complex of molecular-genetic examination confirmed the nationality found in the area Porosenkov log near Ekaterinburg remains of members of the Royal family and their entourage. In addition, experts have established the kinship of Emperor Alexander III, whose remains were exhumed in the Cathedral of St. Petersburg, and the dead man, identified as Nicholas II. Then the head of the Synodal Department for Church and society and the media Vladimir Legoyda said that the final conclusions about the authenticity of the "Yekaterinburg remains" the Russian Orthodox Church will be made at the end of historical and archival examination.
The court in Verkhnyaya Pyshma of the Sverdlovsk region was fined 18 thousand rubles defrocked schemamonk Sergius (Nicholas Romanov) charged with the initiation of them hate.
"Recognize Romanov Nikolai guilty... and assign administrative punishment in the form of an administrative fine in the amount of 18 thousand rubles," announced the judge. Stream sessions were conducted in the Verkhnyaya Pyshma city court page in the social network "Vkontakte".
Arrested earlier on Sunday in the investigation of the case about a fire in the Cathedral of saints Peter and Paul in the French city of Nantes have been released, reports channel BFMTV.
Earlier, the TV channel reported that French police have detained one man as part of the investigation in this case. Arrested was 39-year-old man, a migrant who worked as a volunteer in the Cathedral and had to close the door the day of the fire. Investigators took the man into custody to check out the "contradictions in its schedule".
The Christian mosaics and frescoes in the Cathedral of St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia) in Istanbul will be closed with curtains during the time of Muslim prayers, said the press Secretary of the President of Turkey Ibrahim Kalin.
The Supreme administrative court of Turkey on 10 July annulled the decision of 1934 the transformation of Hagia Sophia into a Museum. Immediately after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he had signed a decree about the transformation of the Cathedral into a mosque and the beginning of Muslim worship there. They will begin on July 24. As previously stated in the office of religious Affairs of Turkey, the Christian mosaics and frescoes during the prayers it is necessary to close or darken.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, visited the Hagia Sophia (Hagia Sophia) in Istanbul, where he got acquainted with the preparatory work for the first divine service after its conversion into a mosque, and shared on Twitter photos.
The Supreme administrative court of Turkey on 10 July annulled the decision of 1934 the transformation of Hagia Sophia into a Museum. Immediately after that, Erdogan said that he had signed a decree about the transformation of the Cathedral into a mosque and the beginning of Muslim worship there. They will begin on July 24.
Lama the Saint-Petersburg datsan gunzechoinei Losal gamso died at the 41st year of life, according to temple.
"With sincere prayers for a better rebirth we see the Lama Temple in the last journey..., 17 July 2020, at 41, suddenly departed this life our dear Lama Losal gamso (Bair balzhinimaev)", - reports the datsan on the page in sotsseti "Vkontakte".
The Dalai Lama, who is on February, at the quarantine in pandemic coronavirus, has said it is ready to resume teaching for the followers of Buddhism in face-to-face format at the end of this year in India.
"With regard to the pandemic at the end of this year or early next, the situation must change. I would really like again (to conduct the exercise - ed.) in Sugakane, the main temple (Dharamsala), and at the end of this year I'm determined to go to Bodhgaya and to teach the doctrines of there," said the Dalai Lama during an online exercise, conducted at the request of Indian Buddhists.
Pope Francis encouraged through dialogue to achieve a peaceful solution to the problems existing between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
"With concern I observe a new aggravation in the last days of the armed tensions in the Caucasus between Armenia and Azerbaijan," said the Pontiff, speaking with a traditional Sunday sermon to the faithful who gathered in St. Peter's square at the Vatican.
Collective prayers, which were discontinued due to the spread of the coronavirus, resume from Saturday in the mosques in Kabardino-Balkaria, according to the regional Spiritual administration of Muslims (DUM).
On Friday in DUM meeting was held with the participation of the chief sanitary physician of the Kabardino-Balkar Republic of Irelane Pagava.
Deputy Minister of culture of the Russian Federation Alla Manilova held a meeting with extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Uzbekistan in Russia Botrana Asadov, where they discussed holding the Days of Russian spiritual culture in Uzbekistan, according to the website of the Ministry of culture of the Russian Federation.
The sides discussed joint activities to be carried out this year, and the deepening of cultural cooperation between the two countries.