The message said, in part:
“I am glad to have this opportunity of heartily greeting the people of the ancient Italian town of Bari. I find it particularly pleasant to do so because your country and Russia are linked by centuries-old historical ties. Your town, which contains a great Christian object of worship – the relics of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra in Lycia – is being presented with a statue of this Miracle Worker.
“Saint Nicholas is one of the most revered saints. In Russia, he is particularly respected. The altars of many Russian churches are consecrated in his name.
“May this gift testify not only to Russians’ worship of this Saint but also to an invariable desire of the peoples of our countries to strengthen friendship and cooperation.”
A statue of Saint Nicholas the Miracle Worker was presented by Russia to the Italian town of Bari. The three-metre bronze monument by Zurab Tsereteli is located in the town’s central square in front of the basilica where the Saint’s relics are buried.