Penza, 29 May 2012. PenzaNews. The governor of the Penza Region Vasily Bochkarev held a workshop with the Prolocutor of the Synodal Department of Church Charity and Social Service of the Russian Orthodox Church, bishop of Smolensk and Viazemsky Panteleimon on Tuesday, May 29. The bishop arrived in Penza to participate in the county festival “Volga for Life — 2012.”

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“I am very pleased to have this meeting, especially because today we will discuss the issue which is important not only for the Penza region, but for Russia as a whole. The solution of demographic issues is primarily related to the family, which in the end is formed to continue the humankind. In addition, attention should be drawn to the problem of single mothers support,” said Vasily Bochkarev, welcoming the guest.

Bishop Panteleimon said that he shared the views of the governor of Penza, adding that family forms society, nation and people as a whole.

“Over 70 years of atheism in our country destroyed the traditional concept of a family, and the fact that now the church and the authorities have a common target to aim at is a very good thing. Indeed, without the revival of morality in the country there will be no prosperity,” said the lord.

Bishop emphasized the great contribution being made by the Governor Vasily Bochkarev to the development of physical culture and sports in the region.

“Both body and spirit should be healthy,” Bishop Panteleimon said.

Vasily Bochkarev also told his guest about the work of social organizations of the Penza region on the prevention of abortion, the institution of psychologists, implemented in hospitals, as well as about the situation of juvenile delinquency rate, which in the region is among the lowest in the country.