The working meeting of Governor Alexey Ostrovskiy with His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill

Today in the Patriarchal residence in Peredelkino His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill met with The Governor of Smolensk region Alexey Ostrovskiy and Bishop of Smolensk and Vyazma Isidor.

During the meeting, they discussed various issues of interaction of the church and secular authorities in the region. In particular, they touched upon the issue of constructing new churches in Smolensk. Alexey Ostrovskiy told His Holiness Patriarch about the allocation of 10 land plots for the construction of new churches.

"Ten land plots and construction permits on these plots have been actually transferred the Diocese for them to be able to begin the construction of temples", - said the Governor.

Bishop Isidor stressed that when choosing the land plots for the construction, specifics of construction in the urban area were considered, some land plots are located in the new mini-districts.

Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church thanked the Governor for the assistance from the regional authorities in land allocation for the construction of temples. Governor Alexey Ostrovskiy and Bishop of Smolensk and Vyazema Isidor told His Holiness about the start of the monastery construction at the source of the Dnieper River, which is located near the village of Bocharovo in Smolensk region. At the end of the meeting the Governor and the Bishop invited His Holiness Patriarch Kirill to visit Smolensk in 2015.