The fifth session of the Holy Synod in the historical building

May 30, 2011 in the historic building of the Synod, which today houses the Presidential Library, hosted the fifth session of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church since the reconstruction. The meeting adopted decisions on urgent problems of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The session was headed by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Kirill. Before the meeting he informed the members of the Synod of the agenda. "We must consider several issues concerning the life of the Russian Orthodox Church, the reorganization of some dioceses, - said the Patriarch. We need to think about what steps should be made so that the church life in many regions becomes more intense and satisfies the requirements of the Council of Bishops".

As a result of the session, the Holy Synod resolved to establish new dioceses in several regions of the Russian Federation. In addition, members of the Synod considered the nominations for election to the bishop ministry and discussed the outcome of work of the Department for External Church Relations of Moscow Patriarchate.

The problem of frequent cases of discrimination against Christians was discussed. Also was adopted the text of a statement of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church with regard to the increase in incidents of Christian phobia in the world.

The meeting was attended by permanent and temporary members of the Holy Synod.

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