The head of the Altai Republic opposed the installation of an Orthodox cross on Mount Belukha

The head of the Altai Republic, Alexander Berdnikov, did not approve of the idea of ​​an Orthodox the public to install a cross on the mountain, which is the sacred symbol of Altai and UNESCO site.  

December 11, 2014 Head of Government of the Republic of Altai Alexander Berdnikov opposed the installation of an Orthodox cross on the mountain Belukha is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

Previously, this proposal was made by representatives Orthodox community. In his opinion, such initiatives "are capable of lead to conflicts on national and religious grounds . "I take this initiative I do not support. I am sure that the initiators will understand me correctly - sometimes it is better simply preserve for posterity in its original form what we received as a gift from ancestors ,” A. Berdnikov wrote in his blog.

The head of the region recalled that Belukha is sacred symbol, and some local peoples believe that a spirit lives on its top Altai, which should not be disturbed.

“The greatest peak of Siberia is the property of all humanity. Our main task is to keep it intact, pristine cleanliness and inviolability, and not attempting, unless absolutely necessary, "improve" the perfection created by nature. Appearing on this mountain I consider symbols of any religions to be inappropriate , ”wrote the head of the republic.

Sources

• Altai governor - against the installation of an Orthodox cross on Mount Belukha // Interfax-religion. 2014. December 11.