Taking the opportunity, Putin recalled the deep historical significance of Chersonese for the Russian people.
“[I would like to see it as] a symbol of identity, a symbol of deep roots, a symbol of victory, a symbol of development, and a symbol of Russia’s dawn,” answered Putin when asked about the symbolism of the place.
“Chersonese is one of the most ancient cities in our country. Its history spans two and a half thousand years. For us it [significance of the city] is about the baptism of Knyaz [Russian title equivalent to Prince] Vladimir, and the baptism of the whole of Russia”, said Putin.
“It is important for us because as a result of this event [the adoption of Christianity], the Russian nation began to form,” Putin explained. He emphasized that at that time, the various Slavic tribes had a single economic space and were united under one Knyaz, but they lacked the necessary spiritual unity to create a single nation.
“It’s a sacred place for us in some sense. Here is the source of our statehood, and the Russian people," stressed Vladimir Putin.
Putin himself voiced the idea of creating a historical and cultural center of Christianity in the ancient city, while spending time at the baptismal font of Knyaz Vladimir, during his earlier visit to Chersonese in 2015.
Along with the opening of the historical complex, St. Vladimir's Cathedral has also reopened its doors to the faithful.