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Medvedev says it’s miracle that Orthodoxy revives in Russia within 20 years

He noted that this had become possible largely owing to the efforts of the patriarch and the clergy in general, charity-givers and the state

MOSCOW, November 5 (Itar-Tass) —— President Dmitry Medvedev said it is a miracle that Orthodoxy has revived in Russia within 20 years.

“Speaking of what happened during these 20 years in terms of my perception as an Orthodox person, it’s a miracle. Frankly speaking, I could not imagine some 15-20 years ago that our people would regain faith so fast,” Medvedev said at a meeting with members of the Orthodox public on Saturday, November 5.

He noted that this had become possible largely owing to the efforts of the patriarch and the clergy in general, charity-givers and the state.

“Owing to our joint work and owing to the efforts of his Holiness, the patriarch, the Church has been fruitfully cooperating with governmental bodies and public institutions. Over the last several years we have launched very many important projects that had been a subject of numerous debates, but that had not been undertaken. I am very glad that these state-church undertakings have become a reality over the last several years,” the head of state said.

Medvedev mentioned among them the introduction of the basic course of religious culture in school. This subject is currently studied in 10,000 schools in 21 regions and will be taught in all schools from next year.