President of Russia: Dmitry Medvedev on the National Unity Day takes part in the opening ceremony of memorial chapel in honour of Prince Dmitry Pozharsky

On November 4 2009 D. A. Medvedev visited Suzdal, where he took part in the opening ceremony of memorial chapel in honour of the Prince Dmitry Pozharsky. The Head of the State arrived the day before thus to celebrate the Unity Day in Vladimir oblast.

The President of Russia is sure that the citizens of Russia – “is a truly unite nation which can overcome the most serious problems”. While congratulating the compatriots with the National Unity Day the President stressed that there was something special in celebrating the holiday in Suzdal, because “the volunteer corps were formed right here in Suzdal, the liberation of Moscow started from here and here the Prince Dmitry Pozharsky served to his Motherland”. "He is buried here, and today we witnessed the special date in our history – today the memorial chapel in honour of the Prince Dmitry Mikhailovich Pozharsky will be consecrated", - said the Head of the State. He remarked that the chapel was built more than 100 years ago, but was destroyed in 30-s.

"The fact that it has been reconstructed implies our combined efforts, represents the example when such an important symbol of history of our state, our Motherland is being reconstructed on people’s donations, shows the result of cooperation of a large number of people, who supported this idea by their efforts and their own means", - emphasized D. A. Medvedev. The President called it “a very impressive example” and remarked: “It also unites us”. The President expressed confidence that “the heroic deed of Prince Pozharsky and citizen Minin will forever remain in the memory of all Russian citizens, all, who live on our land”.

He reminded that "not once Russia had to challenge extremely hard problems in order to unify Russia and overcome the Time of Troubles (“Smutnoye Vremya”)". This also happened in the beginning of XVII century, when Minin and Pozharsky had to collect the volunteer corps to resist foreign occupation force. "People have liberated themselves due to their own efforts. This is a very special date in the history of our country, and today we celebrate the holiday – the National Unity Day, and also blessed feast in our country – the feast day for our Lady of Kazan", - said D. A. Medvedev.

After the opening ceremony the chapel was consecrated by the Archbishop Yevlogy of Vladimir and Suzdal. After the solemn ceremony the Head of the State visited Spaso-Yevfimiev Monastery in Suzdal.