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VALAAM, July 24 The President of Russia Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko visited Valaam Island on Lake Ladoga and toured the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Valaam Stauropegial Monastery.
In the lower church of the monastery, the presidents venerated the relics of St. Sergius and Herman, the founders of the monastery. tradition they put candles. There were many believers in the temple, Putin briefly spoke with them.
«»Glad to see you! Health! Thank you!» they greeted the head of state. «Mutually,» he replied.
In addition, the leaders of Russia and Belarus visited the grave of Archimandrite Methodius, who played an important role in the revival of the Valaam Monastery, as well as the skete in honor of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, where they pray daily for the deceased soldiers, life who laid down their faith and Fatherland.
Putin came to Valaam in informal clothes: in a windbreaker, jeans and sneakers. Lukashenka also maintained an informal style — he chose a T-shirt, jacket and sneakers for visiting the island.
Putin often visits Valaam. The last time he came to the island with Lukashenka was in July 2019. Then the presidents also toured the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral, visited the skete in the name of All Saints, the Church of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God and the Chapel of the Royal Passion-Bearers. Lukashenka, who was on Valaam for the first time, was accompanied by his youngest son Nikolai.
The Spaso-Preobrazhensky Valaam stauropegial monastery is a monument of Russian architecture. More than 100 thousand pilgrims visit it every year. The monastery has farmsteads in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sortavala and Priozersk. Now about 200 inhabitants live in the monastery. The monastery complex includes a central estate and 17 sketes.
The monastery is actively engaged in economic activity. There are a dairy farm, a dairy plant, a trout farm, an apiary, and two hotels for pilgrims that can accommodate about 300 guests.