Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear friends!

I am happy to greet you on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation at the installation of a large cross on the main dome of the Church of All Saints in Strasbourg. I congratulate all of us, and first of all the parishioners, on this important event.

I am sure that along with the recently inaugurated Holy Trinity Cathedral in the Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Center in Paris, the historic Russian church in Nice, the Church of All Saints in Strasbourg will be one that not only the representatives of Russian compatriots, but the French will be pride of. It will help strengthen the mutual trust, emphasize the solidarity of the spiritual and cultural foundations of Russia and France. The temple ensemble, which combines the traditions of Russian Orthodox architecture and modern architectural elements, has already harmoniously blended in with the existing urban environment. It is symbolic that the very construction of the church has illustrated the close and fruitful cooperation between Russia and France as French specialists and Russian masters are working on its creation together. The domes of the church were made in Russia.

I am sure that the more such joint projects will be initiated not only in the spiritual, but in all other spheres, i.e. economy, culture, education, science, public life - the more solid and stronger will be the foundation of centuries-old Russian-French relations.

The long-awaited construction of the first Orthodox church in the territory of Eastern France is of mater of the greatest significance for those Russian compatriots who permanently reside here. No doubts that this church will attract all the Orthodox believers, including those from the border regions of Germany. The temple will for sure contribute to the resolution of urgent spiritual, cultural and social issues given the traditionally important role of the Russian Orthodox Church in establishing humanitarian contacts.

I would like to express my gratitude to the Strasbourg City Council, which unanimously took a historic decision in 2011 to provide the Russian Orthodox Church with a site for the construction of a church and a parish center on the banks of the Marne Channel. I would also like to express my gratitude to the mayor of the city, Mr. Roland Ries, who approved this construction. We are sincerely grateful to the city authorities for their assistance in the construction of the temple complex.

As you know, construction of the Church of All Saints in Strasbourg is financed on private donations of citizens and organizations by an old Christian tradition. The contributions have come from all over the world. We pay tribute to all those who contributed to this good historic deed. Also I would like to mention the strong financial support provided by Vnesheconombank, the Chelyabinsk Electrometallurgical Integrated Plant and, in particular, Transneft.

Once again, I congratulate all those present on this landmark event! Thank you!