Church honours Russian Businessman
19/10/2010
By Elias Hazou
RUSSIAN businessman Andrey Klishas has been awarded the Gold Medal of the Apostle Paul in recognition for his ‘material and moral’ contribution to the Church of Cyprus and the country.
Speaking at an award ceremony at the Archbishopric yesterday, Archbishop Chrysostomos II said the honour bestowed on Klishas was in appreciation of the latter’s “considerable contribution to promoting the Orthodox spirit of love and the traditionally close ties between Cyprus and Russia, as well as for his diverse work and generous contribution – both moral and spiritual – to our people, and in particular to our Church.”
Klishas, 38, is the Vice-President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Interros, one of the largest private investment companies in Russia. He is also President of Norilsk Nickel Mining and Metallurgical Co., the world’s leading producer of nickel and palladium.
“All these years, his priorities have been the continuous provision of financial and other assistance to charity, as well as to social, educational, cultural and Christian causes,” the Prelate said of Klishas.
The Archbishop said he was ‘touched’ by the Russian businessman’s “love and sincere interest” in the restoration of the Apostolos Andreas monastery in the occupied north.
The Prelate noted that the operations of Klishas’ company in Cyprus, Interros International Investments Ltd, provide “a fine example of the good use of wealth granted to him by God on the one hand, and of his love and respect for the Church on the other.”
Interros International Investments Ltd was incorporated in 2007 as the head company of Interros Group in Cyprus.
The Archbishop praised Klishas’ involvement in organising the Cyprus-Russia Charity Gala held recently at the Presidential Palace, the proceeds of which went to the Radiomarathon Foundation for children with special needs. The event was sponsored by Interros International Investment Limited.
Some of Klishas’ other achievements included the construction of the Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas in Limassol and the staging of concerts by the theological academies of the Moscow Patriarchate.
“Justifiably,” the Archbishop noted, “we see in Mr. Klishas the continuation of the noble tradition of Christian benefactors.”
“We especially stress that his contribution to our island…is at the same time a real expression of love for our martyred land and of his keen interest in the vindication of our people’s struggle for vindication,” he added.
Klishas said he was greatly honoured by the award.
“What we do here in Cyprus is very small compared to what you are doing,” he said, addressing the Archbishop.
Describing his first visit to the Apostolos Andreas monastery in the north as an “unforgettable experience” for him and his family, Klishas said that despite the fact the monastery was in ruins it would “forever remain in our hearts.”
Russia’s Interros is one of Russia’s most influential industrial-financial groups, with a multibillion-dollar investment fund. It is also the company of Vladimir Potanin, a business tycoon who played a key role in the privatization of the Russian economy in the ‘90s.
At the Cyprus-Russia Charity Gala last month, President Christofias awarded Potanin with the “Golden Olive Branch” state diploma in gratitude for his profound and ongoing contribution to the development of cultural relations and the strengthening of the existing friendly relations between Cyprus and Russia.
