The dedication of a memorial plaque to the founder of the church, Maria M. Kiselyova, also took place.
As part of an official visit to the Penza Oblast, the chairman of the Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society and the head of the Board of Trustees of the Fund for the Development of Territories Sergey Stepashin visited the Spassky Cathedral. The guest was accompanied by the Governor Oleg Melnichenko and Metropolitan Seraphim of Penza and Nizhny Lomov.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the church-tomb in honor of the Holy Martyrs Evlampy and Evlampiya, the head of the Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society noted that the revival of Orthodox Russia, including through the construction, reconstruction, and restoration of temples, is great.
"It is doubly gratifying that this historic place, like so much else on Penza land, was built with the money of a philanthropist and an amazing woman Mariya Kiselyova who was an honorary member of the Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society. Everything she had was invested in temples, almshouses, and schools," Sergey Stepashin recalled.
"I think that today, when our country is going through difficult times and when we talk about charity, humanism, generosity, and love for people, this is especially relevant. All this is necessary for those who are liberating Russian lands in Ukraine, fighting and building our new life," he added.
Addressing the participants of the solemn event, the Governor of the Penza Oblast called the opening of the revived church a significant event for region.
"I want to thank our fellow citizens, residents of Penza, who took part in the construction of the Spassky Cathedral and the reconstruction of the tomb church. I think this is a great contribution to the development of our city and region," Oleg Melnichenko stressed.
According to Metropolitan Seraphim of Penza and Nizhny Lomov, the reconstruction of the architectural ensemble of Cathedral Square is being completed.
"The Spassky Cathedral stands in its place, it is again filled with the same shrines as before the destruction in 1934. The last point in the reconstruction is the church-tomb," Metropolitan bishop explained.
"I hope that in about 2-3 weeks we will move here the remains of the bishops who were buried here before the revolution, consecrate this temple, and it will become another point of attraction for all Penza residents who want to know their history and honor their predecessors," he added.
Sergey Stepashin and Oleg Melnichenko were present at the consecration of the memorial plaque to Maria M. Kiselyova. At the Spiritual and Educational Center, the guests of honor launched a scientific and educational conference dedicated to benefactors of the past and present, and an event dedicated to the 5th anniversary of the regional branch of the Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society.
Sergey Stepashin and Oleg Melnichenko Participate in Evlampiyev Church-tomb Opening

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