Židan says Russian Chapel more than a place of reverence
"It has become a part of our moral and civilisational commitment to ensure peaceful and safe life to this and future generations," Židan said at the event honouring Russian POWs killed by an avalanche while building a road during First World War.
At the 103th anniversary of the construction of the chapel, he said that the building had been reminding people for more than a hundred years and carrying an invaluable historical message from the generations before us.
These generations were aware of the fragility and preciousness of peace and the nonsense of the suffering in all wars, which is why we must learn from it to secure a better future, said Židan, the honorary sponsor of this year's ceremony.
He believes that the legitimacy, credibility and effectiveness of multilateral frameworks should be strengthened as they reflect the needs of the modern international community.
The partnership between Russia and Slovenia, is also based on the desire for multi-dimensional understanding of trade, security, development and other policies, he added.
More than a thousand people gathered at the event organised by the Slovenia-Russia Association, including senior officials from Russia and representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as Slovenian President Borut Pahor and Prime Minister Marjan Šarec.
Russian Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Konstantin Noskov said that the Russian Chapel was a foundation of the common memory, which had been preserved for decades and which should be kept for future generations.
"Not only that I see concrete acts which lead to the preservation of this symbol of our common memory, but I also feel these warm, genuine feelings you cherish to Russians and believe me that these are exceptional feelings."
Noskov announced that another symbol of friendship between the nations would soon be launched, as a monument to Slovenians who were killed on the Russian soil during both world wars would soon be erected in Moscow.
"Our common historical memory is a guarantee for the preservation of peace not only on the European continent but in the entire world," he concluded.
This year's event is also connected with the 100th anniversary of the Ljubljana University, as it was Russian immigrants - scientists, experts and cultural workers - who helped establish the university one hundred years ago
The legacy of their work should be understood as a call for Slovenia and Russia to continue to create together a future of well-being and development, said Židan.
Ljubljana University Vice-Chancellor Boštjan Botas Kenda noted that the university had accepted the established Russian professors with open arms. He is convinced that the Slovenian-Russian relations will be kept alive in the future.
After the ceremony, members of the Slovenia-Russia Association traditionally meet for a social gathering in Kranjska Gora. The festivities will wrap up on Sunday with a concert by the mixed choir of the Saint Petersburg Theological Academy at Ljubljana's Franciscan Church of the Annunciation.
On Friday, a concert of the Russian jazz band Vadim Eilenkrig Quartet was held in Ljubljana's Congress Square as part of the festivities.