It is thought that a contemporary cathedral should not only fulfil a religious function, but also be a cultural center and a center of peoples’ communication. The problem of the reconstruction of historic cathedrals was discussed at a round-table discussion hosted by Father Superior Petr, the head of the Russian Orthodox University, the chairman of the Congress of Jew Religious Communities and Organizations of Russia, Zinovy Kogan, and the first deputy chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia, Albir Krganov.
According to Father Superior Petr, the difference between the new cathedrals and the historic cathedrals of Moscow is that the latter are situated in the center of the city, in places where people do not live compactly. Such cathedrals don’t fulfil the needs of people who live far away. In the Soviet Union cathedrals weren’t constructed along with the building of new residential areas. The program of construction of 200 new cathedrals presupposes the targeted building of churches within walking distance of the residences of many people: Christians, Jews and Muslims. According to Father Superior Petr, construction of new cathedrals and reconstruction of old ones are different issues. The cathedrals of Moscow are being reconstructed.
Zinovy Kogan noted that the first synagogue in Moscow was opened in 1870. Today there are five major synagogues and about 30 prayer flats. Kogan thinks that the more synagogues there are, the better the situation is. However, according to him, the problem is in the reasonableness of a place where a new cathedral will be built. One of serious problems is that historic synagogues are not being reconstructed. Nevertheless, the advantage of new synagogues is that they will be similar to community centers. Membership clubs, children's hobby groups and playgrounds will be established in synagogues. And it is not necessary for them to be built in the center of the city.
Albir Krganov continued the theme of building new cathedrals in the capital. According to some appraisals, several million Muslims are living in Moscow, and the number of mosques in the city is not sufficient. Along with the three major mosques of Moscow, there are about ten official chapels and a lot of rooms in offices, at markets and other places, where Muslims provide services. Albir Krganov emphasized that a Muslim prays five times a day. That is why it is necessary to have a mosque within walking distance of home. Albir Krganov thinks that it is ineffective to start work from defining the number of mosques Moscow needs. First of all, the government of Moscow should be involved in this process. Krganov considers that each district should have its own small mosque, which will be a centre of contemporary Muslim culture.
Answering the question on the ecological appearance of the city in the context of construction of new churches, Father Superior Petr said the problem is strained, as territories around a church are always ennobled. He called religious facilities decorations of cities and centers of culture.
Zinovy Kogan agreed that nothing artificial, including cathedrals, should worsen the ecological environment of the city. He said that cathedrals are first of all the people in them. Churches, synagogues and mosques are places where people feel equal towards each other. Zinovy Kogan suggested establishing free eating houses, children's hobby groups and Sunday schools, which will make Muscovites desire the construction of churches, synagogues and mosques in their districts.
