The 11th International Educational Christmas Readings open in Moscow

THE 11^th INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL CHRISTMAS READINGS OPEN IN MOSCOW

The opening ceremony of the 11th International Educational Christmas Readings took place in the State Kremlin Palace on January 26, 2003.

About 4, 000 people participate in them, including hierarchs and priests of the Russian Orthodox Church, state and public figures, scientists, professors, specialists in culture. The theme of the Readings is ‘Education and Culture of Russia in the Light of Orthodoxy’.

Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia addressed a message of greetings to the participants of the forum.

Then the floor was given to Vladimir M. Philipov, Russian education minister. He said, ‘Moral diseases of the century can negatively affect all the realms of human and social life and it is particularly evident in the field of education. That is why we consider our cooperation with the Russian Orthodox Church to be our practical ministry to the values and ideals that consolidate our society’.

Mr. Philipov presented the Patriarch with the highest decoration of the Russian Education Ministry, which is the Medal for ‘Charity and Mercy’. The primate of the Russian Church is decorated with it for his considerable contribution to the revival and development of charity and care in Russia. ‘Many schools, children’s homes and boarding schools in our country wait for the financial help of philanthropists and benefactors. Devotion to the Church and moral values of Orthodoxy make thousands of people help their neighbors and be compassionate to those who need their attention’.

Accepting the medal, the Patriarch underlined that he considered it a symbol of recognition of the extensive social program carried out by the Russian Orthodox Church, ‘Every member of the Holy Church of Christ, notwithstanding his office and profession, try to help those who are in need, as our Lord Jesus Christ said: ‘Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful’ (Lk 6:36). To serve God and neighbors by practical deeds of compassion, mercy and charity is our mission, our calling, and our duty here on earth’.

Among the speakers were Archimandrite Ioann (Economtsev), chairman of the Department for Education and Catechism of the Russian Orthodox Church, Y. Chaika, Minister of Justice, A. Torshin, vice-chairman of the Federation Council of Russia, V. Zorkaltsev, chairman of the State Duma Committee for Public Associations and Religious Organizations, A. Puzanovsky, vice-chairman of the State Duma Committee for Science and Education, N. Nikandrov, president of the Russian Academy of Science.

The session was attended by G. Poltavchenko, Presidential Envoy to the Central Federal District.

The participants in the Christmas readings were greeted by A. Voloshin, head of the Presidential Staff, B. Gromov, governor of the Moscow region, and P. Brigadin, Byelorussian education minister.