His Eminence Metropolitan Panteleimon of Krasnoyarsk and Achinsk celebrated the rite of consecration of the tallest memorial cross in Russia on Drokino Mountain at the border of Krasnoyarsk with the Emelianovsky Region on March 1, 2019, reports the press service of the Krasnoyarsk Diocese.
At a height of 154 ft., the stainless steel cross is the tallest in Russia and the third tallest in the world. It was designed to become the new symbol of Krasnoyarsk. Located at the symbolic “gate” to the city, it is perfectly visible to those entering the city by plane, train, or automobile.
The cross was erected completely on the donations of believers, without receiving any public funds.
Photo: TASS
Met. Panteleimon opened the event, attended by a number of local public servants, with a word of gratitude:
“This cross is invested with energy, desire, creative power and love for the Motherland… With sincere love I turn to those who, in a certain sense, “conquered” this mountain, putting this symbol of life here, this monument of light and morality and morality… and I express my heartfelt gratitude to you for your hard work. Thank God that we are all children of peace and love, and it is very important for us to remain a nation that remembers and honors its history, its traditions, culture and spirituality.”
Following his opening words, the hierarch, concelebrated by local clergy, consecrated the cross and lead a short moleben.
The diocese also reported to TASS that there are plans to build a cave church and a church dedicated to St. Spyridon at the foot of the mountain, with the two churches connected by a staircase.