Svetlana Medvedeva laid flowers at the monument to Admiral Stepan Makarov at the start of the ceremony. Later, an honour guard and servicemen from the Kronstadt garrison marched across Yakornaya Square.
The Board of Trustees of the Naval Cathedral of St Nicholas the Miracle-Worker held a meeting the same day. The First Lady, who is a board member, congratulated everyone on the ceremony consecrating the bells and unveiling the facade of the cathedral, which is dedicated to all sailors. It was symbolic that the ceremony was taking place on Navy Day, Svetlana Medvedeva said.
The First Lady said she hopes that the cathedral will open its doors to the faithful in spring next year, and called the building’s restoration an example of how the people and the authorities can work together as one. The idea of restoring the cathedral won broad public support and had the support of the Russian Orthodox Church and the authorities too. Restoring historical holy sites is a noble work that helps society return to its spiritual roots and build the moral foundations needed for Russia’s development today, Ms Medvedeva said, wishing everyone involved in the work success and thanking them for their work.