The issue of relations between the monastery and the Zvenigorod Museum of Architecture and Art, which is based on the monastery’s territory, was raised during the meeting. The President was told that the museum planned to expand outside the monastery in 2005 and build a special building.
Clergymen explained that a process was underway to transfer responsibility for building the monastery to the Russian Orthodox Church. According to them, this is happening on the basis of complete agreement and mutual respect. The monastery will retain those exponents from the museum’s collection that reflect the monastery’s structure.
The head of state said that relations had to be developed very carefully to ensure that everyone was satisfied with the arrangement.
Vladimir Putin stated that it was not worth drawing a line between culture and the Church.