His Holiness Patriarch Alexy answers questions from Serbian filmmakers shooting a film on Russian shrines

His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia met, on May 23, 2005 at this residence in Chisty Lane, with His Excellency Milan Rocen, Serbian and Montenegrin Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Moscow and a group of Serbian filmmakers who, with the blessing of the Primates of the Russian and the Serbian Orthodox Church, are shooting a film on shrines in our country. Participating in the meeting were also representatives of the union of Serbian and Montenegrin businessmen residing in Russia, who actively support this project.

At the request of the shooting team, His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II addressed the future viewers of the film, explaining to them the importance of St. Sergius Laura of the Trinity and the Church of Christ the Saviour for the Russian Orthodox Church. His Holiness also conveyed his blessing and warm wishes to Serbian TV-viewers.

After the meeting, Ambassador Rocen answered questions from journalists. ‘I am convinced that these films will help the Russian and Serbian nations to come ever closer together’, he said. Recalling the visit His Holiness Patriarch Pavle of Serbia made to Russia in November 2004, the ambassador noted that the significance of the Church of Christ the Saviour is as great for Russia as that of St. Savva’s Cathedral in Belgrade for Serbia, which is being restored with the help of Russians.

Mr. Milan Rocen also informed the journalists about the present stage in the construction of the cathedral. The substructure, the crypt, of the cathedral has already been completed, and the interior finish of the church is under way at the moment. According to the Serbian tradition, the walls of the cathedral will be covered with mosaics rather than frescoes. Completed, St. Savva’s will be able to accommodate up to 14 thousand worshippers.

The Serbian Ambassador also expressed hope that the churches and monasteries that have been damaged in recent years will begin to be restored in the nearest future. He said that representatives of the international community have already reached certain agreements with the Serbian Orthodox Church with regard to the restoration of shrines in Kosovo.

See also:

• His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia