Meeting with representatives of the Tiraspol-Dubossary Diocese

The meeting of the PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky with the clergy was held in the House of Official Receptions. The delegation of the Tiraspol-Dubossary Diocese was headed by Archbishop Sawa. The districts deans, governors and rectors of the Pridnestrovian churches, parishes, monasteries were among the interlocutors. The PMR Supreme Council Chairman Alexander Korshunov took part in 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.

A proposal was made to invite clergy to ceremonial school assemblies. According to Vadim Krasnoselsky, this issue should be resolved with the staff of the educational institution and the parents of the students. 

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

Representatives of the Dubossary Cathedral of All Saints and the Grigoriopol Church appealed to the head of state for help in improving the temple grounds. 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.

Vadim Krasnoselsky, concluding the conversation, emphasized the importance of interaction between the state and the church, thanked for the useful discussion and aimed at further fruitful work.