Itera International Energy Company Aids in Construction of Russian Orthodox Church

MOSCOW, June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Itera International Energy Company is known to consumers throughout Russia, Eastern Europe, and the United States, largely for its production and distribution of  natural gas, as well as involvement in real estate, lumber production, and more. More recently, however, the company has been involved with a project of a different kind — namely, the construction of a new Russian Orthodox Church building, located in Cyprus. The historic building's construction was recently commenced with a solemn religious dedication ceremony.

On June 9, the Holiest Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Cyril performed a ceremony to pray over, and ultimately bless, the ground that will serve as the foundation for this new church building. The church in question is the Church of Nicolas, which, when completed will stand as the first truly Russian Church in the region of Cyprus. The building is currently under construction, with corporate sponsorship coming from Itera and other major companies.

The ceremony was attended by more than a thousand Russian citizens, including many members of the church government as well as civic government officials. Also in attendance were several executives from Itera International Energy Company.

The Church of Nicolas will be the first Russian Church in Cyprus to be constructed on a piece of land owned by the Moscow Patriarchy. Itera International Energy Company is actively sponsoring its construction, not just financially but also with organizational and developmental assistance as the project progresses.  The building itself is set to be lavish; the Orthodox Church will include a bell tower and a pilgrim house, to be constructed in line with traditions of the Russian Church architecture of the 17th Century.

Additionally, the area of the Church will exceed one thousand square meters, allowing for worship services to hold as many as 500 to 600 people. A Sabbath school and a Library will also be operational on church grounds.

Itera International Energy Company was founded on the heels of the Soviet Union's breakdown, and since that time has offered vital utility and energy services to communities throughout the region.

ABOUT: Itera International Energy Company is a vertically integrated company founded in 1992, with dozens of enterprises in the NIS, Baltic States, Western Europe, Asia and the United States.

Since 1994, Itera's main business activity has been natural gas. Starting in 1998, Itera Oil and Gas Company, within the Itera Group, has been expanding its own gas production in the Yamal-Nenets region of Russia and has invested over two billion dollars into infrastructure. Overall, over 250 billion cubic meters of gas were produced at Itera's gas fields. The total volume of gas sold by Itera has surpassed 600 billion cubic meters. Itera's strategic business developments are also reaching into development, biochemical and power generating segments.     

The American division of the company, Itera USA, was founded in 1992. In addition to their work in the energy industry, Itera USA has also found success in timber, real estate, and more. Itera always welcomes new ideas, and strives to build bridges between peoples and cultures through the implementation of quality energy solutions.

SOURCE Itera International Energy Company