Delegation of China’s State Administration for Religious Affairs visits theological schools in St. Petersburg
A delegation of the Chinese State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) led by Ms. Liu Jinguang, director of the Sara 4th Department, visited St. Petersburg Theological Academy and Seminary on September 15, 2010. The delegation included her deputy, officials of the administrations for religious affairs in the province of Heilogjiang and the city Harbin and a representative of the Orthodox public in Shanghai.
The visit was made to meet the provisions of the agreement on good-neighbourliness, friendship and cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Chinese People’s Republic. The agreement provides for the development of dialogue and cooperation between the leading religious confessions in Russia and China, the establishment of contacts between Russia’s Presidential Council for Cooperation with Religious Associations and China’s State Administration for Religious Affairs as well as between the Interreligious Council in Russia and the Chinese Association for Cultural and Religious Relations.
The rector of the theological schools, Bishop Ambrose of Gatchina, introduced the guests to the educational process, daily routine in the schools and the students’ living conditions. He stressed that all the costs involved in the study and stay of foreign students are assumed by the Russian Orthodox Church. The knowledge of Russian is desirable but not compulsory for enrolment. Foreign students study Russian at a special course.
After the talk, the rector took his guests on a tour of the academy. At the library, he showed the delegation unique Russian books dated from the 16th century and rare books in European and Asian languages including Chinese.
DECR Communication Service