the opening was attended 19 march 2016 by mayor of paris anne hidalgo, as well as russia’s minister of culture vladimir medinsky and representatives of the moscow patriarchate. russian minister of culture vladimir medinsky stated at the inaugural opening on october 19, 2016 that “the centre will open its doors to anyone who is interested in the history of our country, our scientific and cultural accomplishments, and for those who want to learn russian. the holy trinity cathedral will undoubtedly play an important role for the orthodox people in paris.”