Christmas visit of President Vladimir Putin to the cities of the Russian Golden Ring
30.01.2002 · English, Архив 2002
CHRISTMAS VISIT OF PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN TO THE CITIES OF THE RUSSIAN GOLDEN RING
On 6 January 2002 President Vladimir Putin of Russia made a short Christmas pilgrimage to Orthodox holy places. He visited the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Saviour in Pereslavl-Zalessky. The Rector, who congratulated Mr.Putin with the forthcoming Nativity of Christ, met the President at the entrance.
The Rector told the high guest about the history of the Cathedral, which used to be the burial-vault of the Pereslavl Princes in old times. The Cathedral houses the tombs of the son and grandson of the Holy and Right-Believing Grand Prince Alexander Nevsky. The President lighted a candle at the Icon of the Nativity of Christ in the Cathedral and proceeded to St.Nicholas’ Convent where restoration works have begun recently.
After a short meeting with the inhabitants of the city, the head of the Russian state left for Gus-Khrustalny by helicopter where he visited the glass-factory, which is the oldest in Russia.
In the city of Vladimir the President attended the Christmas Divine service in the Cathedral of the Assumption, one of the eldest churches of Russia decorated with frescos by Andrey Rublyov. Thousands of the city inhabitants prayed together with the head of the state.
On the very day of the Nativity of Christ President Putin visited the city of Maloyaroslavets. The programme included a Christmas party in the secondary school in Maklino arranged by children from the ‘Otrada’ orphanage that is run by the Chernoostrovky Convent in Malayaroslavets, the Kaluga diocese.
Archbishop Clement of Kaluga and Borovsk congratulated all those gathered with the Nativity of Christ and told them about this great Christian feast. He noted that people have solemnly celebrated the Nativity of Christ from the earliest times and children have had a particular joy. Many tales and folk songs have been dedicated to the Nativity of Christ. All of them tell us about the triumph of good and the disgrace of evil forces. In conclusion the Archbishop wishes the children to remember that many miracles in the world happen through love, compassion and charity which have been granted to humanity by the Saviour Who was born 2002 years ago.
Archbishop Clement of Kaluga and Borovsk thanked the President for his visit to Malayaroslavets and participation in children’s party. He noted that children would remember this celebration of Christmas for all their lives.
President Putin thanked the children for excellent performance at the party and the leaders of the ‘Otrada’ orphanage for their work and love to their pupils. ‘When I was looking at these small children I thought that the talents of their tutors were shown in them’. Vladimir Putin was invited to tea party during which the young girls from the ‘Otrada’ orphanage sang Christmas carols.
The President gave children Christmas presents, and the orphanage received two buses as a gift.
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