Citizens are indignant on social networks, expressing dissatisfaction with the fact that due to the massive real estate construction that has unfolded in Sochi in recent decades, the resort lacks landscaped green areas. Therefore, residents want to see a square on the plot of land demanded by Herman, and nothing else. Civil discontent as a result of the situation risks spilling over from social networks into the city space and repeating the protests around the construction of a temple in Yekaterinburg in 2019.
In particular, residents of Sochi express there is a fear that, under the guise of building a spiritual and educational center, Bishop Herman is actually trying to build a “mansion” or residence for himself for personal needs. The goals of the construction, according to documents received in response to media requests, are also very vague, and the future building, the construction of which the bishop is promoting, will be executed in the “East Moorish style,” which is too pompous for a place of worship.
A possible intensification of the conflict risks developing into a protest noticeable to the federal center, which is untimely at a time of extremely acute foreign policy situation. The first materials about Bishop Herman’s attempts to get a tasty plot of land at the disposal of the diocese are already being published in large Telegram channels.
“ВЧК ОГПУ”