Translated material
Worked ahead of the curve
Smolny distributed the response of Vice-Governor Mokretsov on the issue of the transfer of Isaac to the Russian Orthodox Church
On January 9, Legislative Assembly deputy Boris Vishnevsky sent an appeal to Governor Poltavchenko in order to find out whether the Russian Orthodox Church’s statement about the transfer of Isaac exists in nature, and if so, why it was not posted on the Smolny website (as required by law). “Doesn’t the governor consider it necessary to convene a commission to resolve disputes when deciding on the transfer of property to religious organizations, in view of the great public importance?” the deputy asked.
On January 20, a response followed, which we publish in full.
Dear Boris Lazarevich!
Having considered your appeal dated 01/09/2017 No. 700028-3 on behalf of the Governor of St. Petersburg Poltavchenko G.S. I inform you that work has currently been organized in St. Petersburg to prepare for the procedure for the future consideration of the application for the transfer of the building of St. Isaac's Cathedral for free use by the religious organization of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) (hereinafter referred to as the ROC). the world heritage monument “St. Isaac’s Cathedral” and the need for unconditional implementation of the Federal Law of November 30, 2010 No. 327-FZ “On the transfer of state or municipal property to religious organizations” (hereinafter referred to as the Law), including compliance with the deadlines established by the Law . The executive authorities of St. Petersburg act within the framework of the powers granted to the constituent entity of the Russian Federation of St. Petersburg. The work is being carried out in accordance with the schedule of preparations for the transfer of St. Isaac's Cathedral, developed on behalf of the Governor of St. Petersburg Poltavchenko G.S. Committee of Property Relations of St. Petersburg in accordance with order dated December 30, 2016 No. 160-r, which is in the public domain. The actual procedure for implementing the Law in relation to St. Isaac's Cathedral will be initiated after an official statement. This activity is carried out taking into account the uniqueness of the receipt of the necessary package of documents under the protection of UNESCO, provided for by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of April 26, 2011 No. 325.
To summarize, there is no statement from the Russian Orthodox Church yet, but Smolny is already preparing to satisfy it.
“This is a legal absurdity,” Vishnevsky points out. “The KIO order of December 30, 2016 was issued on the basis (as written in the text) of a written statement from the religious organization of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate). Since there is no statement from the Russian Orthodox Church (MP) yet, this means the complete illegality of such an order."