Moscow, July 31, 2020
The new Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in northwestern Moscow. Photo: v-resin.ru
About $40,770,000 (3 billion rubles) are donated by sponsors and parishioners every year for the construction of Orthodox churches in Moscow, said State Duma Deputy Vladimir Resin, the curator of the 200 Program, which aims to build enough churches in the capital so that everyone has one within walking distance.
The largest benefactor and donor is the people, Muscovites, the residents of the capital’s districts,” Resin said during a tour of churches under construction in northwestern Moscow a few days ago, reports Interfax-Religion.
“They have a need for spiritual development, for preserving the traditional foundations of their families, for transforming their districts, for creating a new chronicle of Moscow. Our people are wiser and more far-sighted than many politicians. Our people understand how to build a future for their children and grandchildren,” the Deputy said.
There are currently 28 active churches in the northwestern district of Moscow, with 5 more commissioned, 6 under construction, and 3 under design.
At the end of 2018, it was reported that 85 churches had been built in Moscow in 8 years as part of the 200 Program. The Russian Church opens an average of 1,000 parishes a year in all.
