Spiritual bonds between people important in modern world full of dissension - Putin
MOSCOW. May 25 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the high importance of live spiritual ties between people in a contemporary world full of dissension.
"Live spiritual bonds are very important, especially in a modern complicated world full of dissension," Putin said at a meeting with representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.
All world religions are based on common values, Putin said. He assured the clergymen that they were always welcome and desirable guests in Moscow.
The clergymen thanked Putin for facilitating closer ties and unity between the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church.
The icon of St. Jonah of Hankou was presented to the head of state. The meeting took place at the Sretensky Monastery's Seminary in Moscow, which Putin visited on Thursday. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Russia and the monastery's father superior, Tikhon, told Putin about the seminary and showed him several classrooms, where world literature, history and theology are studied.
Putin was also shown an interactive library available on large displays in the seminary's lobbies, which enable seminary students to find out about the schedule of studies and other educational aspects.
The president also toured a seminary library and enjoyed a look at the Church of the Resurrection and New Martyrs and Saints of the Russian Orthodox Church from its windows.
