Meeting of the PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky and the clergy was held at the House of Official Receptions. The delegation of the Tiraspol-Dubossary diocese was headed by Archbishop Sawa. The district deans, governors and rectors of the Pridnestrovian churches, parishes, monasteries were among the interlocutors. Representatives of the Presidential executive office, the PMR Government, the Supreme Council, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Education were invited to the conversation. The PMR President, welcoming the guests, emphasized the importance of such meetings and called for raising any issues of concern to the clergy and parishioners.
They talked in the course of the meeting about interaction in the field of education and enlightenment. The clergy considers it insufficient. It was noted that the Coordination Council created many years ago is dysfunctional – clergy and the diocesan administration are not invited to working meetings held by the Ministry of Education. The topic of teaching spiritual disciplines in general education institutions was specially highlighted. They said that the number of students attending such lessons is decreasing. Preference is given to the Fundamentals of Secular Ethics (subjects are offered to schoolchildren to choose from as alternatives). The existing Sunday schools functioning and the need to open new ones were discussed. Vadim Krasnoselsky considers that the presence of educational and upbringing cells at churches is useful. He said that he supports the family initiative to have grandchildren attend Sunday school. They mentioned in the course of the meeting the upcoming opening of such a school at the University Church of St. Tatiana. The President will assist in equipping the new Sunday school. A proposal was made to invite clergy to ceremonial school assemblies. This issue should be resolved with the staff of the educational institution and the parents of the students, according to Vadim Krasnoselsky. He personally welcomes the students blessing before a difficult school year.
The clergyman of Kamenka said that Orthodox activities are carried out on a systematic basis in the juvenile correctional facility located in the district. A prayer room has been allocated at the colony. They are asking for assistance in equipping it.
The clergy participation in general in organizing socially significant events was discussed. Church representatives consider that it has been reduced to a minimum, which is wrong in their opinion. The clergy are counting on their active involvement in the preparation process, and not on a formal invitation as guests.
The problem of citizens' misunderstanding of the essence of the holidays celebrated – both originally Orthodox and those that came from foreign cultures was discussed in the course of the meeting.
Dubossary residents are asking for assistance in improving the territory adjacent to the city church. A park of the same name was laid out near the Cathedral of All Saints on the presidential order two years ago, but the areas directly around the church walls need to be paved.
The clergy and parishioners of the Grigoriopol church have made a similar request. There is a geodetic issue in addition. The responsible structures will consider it.
The prioress of the Holy Vvedensky Pakhomiyev Convent spoke about the need to build or allocate an existing building to live in. Vadim Krasnoselsky noted that a monastery is not only cells, but also the accompanying infrastructure necessary for running a household. It is problematic to implement such a project in a city park. The issue will be studied further.
Archbishop Sawa drew the officials’ attention to the fact that it is necessary to cultivate respect for state symbols in citizens, the anthem and flag from the earliest years. The corresponding educational and outreach work should be carried out in all educational institutions, starting with the kindergarten level, according to the Archbishop.
Vadim Krasnoselsky emphasized, concluding organized in the format of a tea party the two-hour conversation, the importance of interaction between the state and the church, thanked for the useful discussion and aimed at further fruitful work.
