VENICE, Italy, MARCH 11, 2011 (Zenit.org).- On Sunday, the first Center for Russian Cultural Studies in the Apennines was opened at the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice.
Russia’s first lady, Svetlana Medvedeva, who was present at the opening ceremony, noted that «the Center will provide comprehensive assistance to research and public organizations in studying Russia’s cultural and historical legacy and the Russian language.»
She continued: «It will carry out research and educational work.
«The center is also meant to help strengthen contacts between the two countries’ largest arts and culture institutions.»
Interfax also reported that 21,568 books on religious history, theology and philosophy were transferred to the Moscow Theological Academy from various papal universities and Italian libraries.
The center was established with the participation of the Foundation for Socio-Cultural Initiatives led by Medvedeva.
