The main priorities of the Regional Public Foundation for the promotion and preservation of spiritual monuments "Spiritual Heritage of St. Paul the Apostle "are: revival, preservation and creation of spiritual, historical and cultural monuments in Russia and abroad; participating in the development and implementation of programs aimed at reviving the national culture, science and historical traditions; development and implementation of programs in education, culture, spiritual development, recreation and tourism, resumption of the Russian Orthodox schools; strengthening the spiritual, political and economic relations between Russia and Syria; restore Russia's influence in the spiritual life of Syria and Palestine, through the resumption of the historic pilgrimage route to the Holy Land through Syria; formation in the world right political views on Russia and the Middle East, their culture, national traditions and political life; protection of peace in the region.
The first step taken by the Foundation for Spiritual Heritage of St. Paul the Apostle at the very beginning of its activities was to complete the work begun in 1965 by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Alexy I, which has establish an Orthodox monastery in the Syrian village of Kaukab - place of the visitation of Our Lord Christ to St. Paul. It was decided to complete the construction of the monastery complex and put a monument to St. Paul here. Work on this project lasted for about two years. In May 2005 there was the opening ceremony of the monastery complex and the monument created by famous Russian Artist A. Rukavishnikov. About forty thousand people took part in the festivities, including a delegations from Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Turkey. Among the honored guests were representatives of all religious faiths of the Middle East, as well as prominent social and political figures of Russia and Syria. During the entire time these celebrations were widely covered by leading television channels and print media in the Middle East. In Russia reports on those memorable days was made by the "Kultura" channel, RTR and Ren-TV, as well as more than a dozen of newspapers and magazines. One of the most important results of celebrations May 26-30 2005 in Kaukab were significant changes in the internal politics of Syria and strengthening of the role of the Orthodox minority in the political life of the country. During the meeting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Russia's delegation, Mr. President highly appreciated the importance of the project of the monument to St. Paul and invited the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II to visit Syria with official visit. Assessment of progress can be words spoken at the celebrations of Antioch Patriarch Ignatius IV: "It is here and now all the people of the Middle East saw the face of the new Russia." The most proven themselves in this project people have been awarded the highest award of the Patriarchate of Antioch - Order of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. During the work on the project in Kaukab the Foundation was created the documentary "On the road to Damascus". In the Middle East, this film looked millions of TV viewers, on Syrian television it was demonstrated more than five times. Recently, together with The Apostle Andrew Foundation in the Temple of Christ the Savior in Moscow was conducted thematic exhibition "Russia and Syria - a live trough centuries". Opening of the exhibition was timed to arrive in Moscow with the State Visit of President of Syria Bashar Al-Assad. Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia ALEXY II praised the results of our work, which is reflected in his personal message and approval of the Decree on awarding the most active members of the Foundation's Order of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Patriarchal letters. Foundation for Spiritual Heritage of St. Paul the Apostle is working with organizations such as The International League for Protection of human dignity and security, The Apostle Andrew Foundation, The Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society and many others . Fulfilling the wish Russia's politicians, our Foundation provides advice on various problem situations that arise in the Middle East. In addition, having extensive contacts in the spiritual, political and economic circles in countries throughout the region, the Foundation may advance the economic interests of domestic companies.
| 
