His Holiness Patriarch Alexy received Ambassador of Estonia to Russia Ms. Marina Kaljurand

On 9 December 2005, the Primate of Russian Orthodox Church met with a new Ambassador of Estonia to the Russian Federation Ms. Marina Kaljurand in the patriarchal working residence in Chisty side street.

His Holiness the Patriarch congratulated Ms.Kaljurand with her appointment and wished her God’s help in her responsible ministry.

Ms.Kaljurand brought greetings to His Holiness from Estonian President Arnold Ryutel and from her predecessor Ms. Karin Yani and the Embassy staff. ‘People in Estonia remember and love you. We highly appreciate your work for the good of believers and your contribution to the development of relations between our countries’ she said.

Spiritual, cultural and economic ties between Russia and Estonia were discussed in a warm atmosphere along with church-state relations in the two countries, participation of the Church in the life of society, in solution of social problems, and the teaching of the foundations of religious culture in the state schools. The Estonian Ambassador pointed out that this subject was optional, while children are introduced to religious philosophy of life at the history and ethics lessons in the framework of compulsory school curriculum. A possibility of introducing this subject in school curriculum is being discussed in Estonia.

His Holiness shared his reminiscences about his ministry in Estonia and experience of work in the Estonian Council of Churches set up with his participation.

The situation of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate was also discussed.

Taking part in the meeting was Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, DECR MP secretary for interorthodox relations.