BAKU – The Bishop of Baku and Azerbaijan, Alexy (Smirnov), has expressed the willingness of the Russian Orthodox Church to assist in the restoration of religious temples in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories. The statement was made during an event celebrating the 137th anniversary of the Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Church in Ganja, which serves as the only church in the region.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Bishop Alexy highlighted the longstanding support of the Russian Orthodox Church for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. He stated that the Church stands ready to contribute to the restoration of religious sites that were destroyed during the conflict in the liberated areas. Alexy emphasized the importance of preserving sacred places, noting that the Alexander Nevsky Church, built in 1887, has stood on the land for almost 160 years and is now set to undergo repairs with the support of the Azerbaijani government.

The bishop also praised Azerbaijan’s respect for the religious and cultural diversity of its people, adding that the state’s policy to strengthen inter-religious relations is highly appreciated by the Orthodox Christian community.