An Orthodox priest fears the Peter and Paul Fortress will be turned into Disneyland

The rector of the Peter and Paul Cathedral, the representative of the St. Petersburg diocese on architectural and artistic issues, Abbot Alexander (Fedorov), is concerned about the transformation of the Peter and Paul Fortress into an entertainment center. In the fall of 2007, the Committee for Culture of the Administration of St. Petersburg developed a concept for the development of the Peter and Paul Fortress “as a cultural and entertainment center.” It is planned to hold costume balls and theatrical performances on the territory of the fortress.

Hegumen Alexander points out that there are many aspects that force one to treat this place with special respect and reverence, so he considers the use of the Peter and Paul Fortress as a source of income to be incorrect. He fears this will lead to the cathedral being turned into Disneyland. In an interview with Novaya Gazeta, he stated that “against the backdrop of such earnings, the destruction of our main shrine will occur.”

Let us recall that the St. Petersburg diocese has long been seeking permission to hold services in the Peter and Paul Cathedral.

According to Credo.ru , on December 19, 2007, services on Sundays and holidays began in the Peter and Paul Cathedral. The services will last until the summer: between May and October, tourist events will be held there.

Sources

• Peter and Paul Cathedral will become Disneyland? // Russian Line, 2008. January 11.
• Likhanova T. Emperors ask for silence // Novaya Gazeta in St. Petersburg. 2008. January 10.
• "Disneyland" may appear around the Cathedral of the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg // Portal-Credo.ru. 2008. January 31.