Posted: 25.09.06 09:31. Post subject: Catholic Aid Buoys Up Russian Orthodox Seminary

KOENIGSTEIN, Germany, SEPT. 22, 2006 (Zenit.org).- The rector of the Russian Orthodox Seminary of Smolensk has thanked the international charity Aid to the Church in Need for its support.

"Since the early 1990s, ACN has been supporting our seminary, even during the most difficult times," Father Victor Savik said during a recent visit to the charity's headquarters in Germany. "Without your help we would have been forced to close."

Father Savik went on to explain that "currently, 107 young men are preparing for the priesthood in our seminary. We have established a good cooperation with the Catholic Church. … Last year, we held a conference on theological formation, in which representatives of both Churches, Orthodox as well as Catholics, gave speeches."

Referring to Benedict XVI's recent visit to Bavaria, Father Savik stated: "As one of about 300 members of the official Orthodox delegation, I attended the papal Mass in Regensburg. What I can say is this: It was a bright and encouraging experience, because the Pope particularly underlined the importance of good relations between Catholics and Orthodox."

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