‘Days of Russian Spiritual Culture’ events underway in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, September 28, 2024 (FBC) – Days of Russian Spiritual Culture is taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 25 to 30 September, 2024.

The event has been organized jointly by the Russian Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, Russian Seasons, the Department of External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ethiopia and the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Addis Ababa.

The Days of Russian Spiritual Culture are aimed at demonstrating the richness and diversity of Russia’s spiritual culture in foreign countries, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Addis Ababa stated.

Since 2008, the Days of Spiritual Culture events have been held in 45 countries around the world, according to the Embassy.

This year, the Days of Russian Spiritual Culture in Ethiopia is taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the second time.

As part of the event, the United Choir of the Moscow Theological Academy and the Holy Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius performed a selection of religious songs at the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Addis Ababa on Friday in attendance of members of the diplomatic community, religious leaders of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, public and government representatives, scholars and students from various schools.

The choir consists of singers who are members of the brethren and students of the Theological Academy.

In his remarks at the event, Evgeny Terekhin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, stated that, “Russia and Ethiopia are linked by close historical ties, as well as spiritual and religious entity. The friendly relations between our peoples are based on this solid foundation.”

Such events are very important and contribute to the mutual enrichment of national cultures, as well as to the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries, the Ambassador noted.

The Russian Center of Science and Culture also hosted an exhibition associated with Novodevichy Convent based on reproductions of works of art and photographs from the collection of the State Historical Museum and dedicated to the anniversary of one of the oldest monasteries and most beautiful architectural ensembles in Moscow – the Novodevichy Convent.

Olga Lyubimova, Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, pointed out, “Ethiopia’s recent entry into BRICS opens up new horizons in cooperation between our countries, and of course, cultural exchange occupies a special place.”