Virtual tour of the historic building of the Synod: the hall of presence and the house church available on the Presidential Library’s portal

Today thanks the new virtual tour The Synod Church of the Holy Fathers of the Seven Ecumenical Councils and the Council Hall of the Holy Synod, prepared with the blessing of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia by the specialists of the Presidential Library together with representatives of the Church, it is possible to attend the meeting room of the highest hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church in the historic building of the Synod, which houses the Presidential Library today, to learn more about Orthodoxy and the history of the Church, to learn about the principles of the organization of an Orthodox church and to look into its altar part, which is usually inaccessible for attending.

The interactive educational project gives everyone an opportunity to learn more about the history of the Most Holy Governing Synod and the buildings where it was located as well as the main tasks of the modern Holy Synod.

Thanks to the virtual tour it is possible to remotely visit the synod temple and the meeting room of the Holy Synod. A separate section introduces users to the basics of Orthodoxy and the structure of an Orthodox church and its altar part. Not everyone can enter it.

The modern Holy Synod, the governing body of the Russian Orthodox Church, is not a direct successor to the pre-revolutionary Holy Governing Synod (1721–1917) and differs from it both in terms of authority and composition.

The Holy Synod ruled the Church on behalf of the emperor and included both bishops and priests as full members. The central figure was the chief prosecutor, who, on behalf of the emperor, oversaw the state of all church affairs. All decisions of the Holy Synod came into force only after approval by the sovereign.

The modern Synod is called Sacred and consists exclusively of bishops. The decisions of the Synod are not approved by the Patriarch, since the Patriarch himself is a member of the Synod and its chairman. As a rule, the sessions of the Holy Synod are closed.

The virtual tour available on the Presidential Library’s portal provides more details about the history of the building at Senate Square, 3. The tour is based on a 3D tour around the historic building of the Synod, which houses today a modern multifunctional cultural, educational and scientific and educational center.