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Statement from the Simbirsk diocesetranslated

July 16, 2026 · 1 min read

As it became known, a strip club is opening in Ulyanovsk at the address: Goncharova, 30, in an annex to the historical building of the Simbirsk Theological Seminary, in close proximity to the Church of the Three Saints and the Simbirsk Spassky Monastery.

Unfortunately, the activities of such “entertainment” establishments, parasitic on carnal passion, exploiting base consumer interest in the female body, are not prohibited by law in the Russian Federation. But the organization of such a “business” has a number of conditions and restrictions, and also requires strict control from authorities and law enforcement agencies, since it is often accompanied by a number of certain violations.

The Simbirsk diocese considers the placement of a strip club in this location offensive and unacceptable.

The club is located, in fact, in a rebuilt historical church building of the Simbirsk Theological Seminary with a house church, which is a cultural heritage site of regional significance.

Placing an outdoor advertisement for a strip club in front of a church information sign poses a challenge to public morality, traditional spiritual, moral, cultural and family values, which are…

Source: Site: Симбирская епархия · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (14) 🌐 Show original

Методи Атанасов

This is downright rude. To open a strip club right in the annex of the old seminary, next to the church of the Three Saints - one cannot believe it. I hope that the diocese will make enough noise that the municipality will also intervene, because the site is a cultural heritage.

Христо Димитров

I agree Methodi, it's really rude to put something like this right next to the church of the Three Saints and in an annex of the seminary. The site is a cultural heritage, so the municipality has the full right to check that all distance and advertising restrictions are respected. I hope that the diocese will not stop at the application, but will continue to insist.

Румяна Петрова

I totally agree, Methody. As a pensioner from Sofia, it is particularly hard for me to see how they remake an old religious building for just such a thing - as if there is nowhere else in Ulyanovsk. Hopefully the municipality will also check about the cultural heritage, because if not now, then it will be too late.

Мария Колева

I agree, Christo, right in the annex of the seminary is the most offensive. The municipality really needs to check the distance to the church and the advertising, because the Sunday school children have to go there too. Will the diocese file a complaint with the prosecutor's office, what do you think?

I agree with you, Rumyana. And I wonder why exactly there, as the seminary was with a house church - as if on purpose. The municipality really needs to check the status of the building before it's too late.

Мариана Попова

I agree, Maria, and I think that precisely because of the home church, it seems that someone is deliberately turning a blind eye. The municipality must check not only the status of the building, but also whether they violate the restrictions on the distance to the church - there are supposedly such rules. Have you heard of any of the locals filing a complaint yet?

Десислава Петкова

Maria, I also wonder why exactly in the annex to the seminary, as if someone deliberately chooses the place. The municipality must check not only the status of the building, but also whether they violate the rules of proximity to the church. Do you know if the diocese has already sent an official letter to them?

Красимира Василева

Yes, Desislava, I also think that the place was not chosen by chance. The municipality should also check the distance to the church, because in the past such establishments often circumvented the rules. The diocese must have already sent a letter, but it is good to follow what they will answer.

Красимира Петрова

I agree, Krasimira, the place really seems to be chosen on purpose - right next to the seminary and the church. The municipality must check not only the distance, but also whether the extension still meets the status of cultural value. I wonder if any of the locals have already written a complaint to the town hall.

Атанас Ангелов

I think you are right, Krasimira, the location is hardly accidental - right next to the seminary and the church. It is also a good idea to check whether the extension does not violate the law on cultural heritage, because such buildings are often quietly remodeled. Do you know if someone from Ulyanovsk has already filed a report with the prosecutor's office?

Елена Петкова

Yes, Desislava, it also seems to me that this particular annex was not chosen by chance - as if someone wanted to challenge. I wonder if the municipality will also pay attention to the fact that there was a house church in the seminary. Did you hear anything new from the diocese after the application?

Yes, the location really seems to be chosen on purpose - right next to the seminary and the church. In my opinion, it is good to check the law on cultural heritage, because such extensions often go without a permit. Do you know if the diocese has already sent an official letter to the municipality?

Yes, Krasimira Petrova, that's right - apparently they chose the place on purpose to tease. I also think the status of the annex should be checked because the seminary has a house church from the 19th century. I wonder if someone from Simbirsk has already organized a petition or a complaint to the prosecutor's office, not only to the mayor.

Мариана Тодорова

I think you're right, Krasimira, the place was really not chosen by chance - right next to the seminary and the church. It would be good for the municipality to check whether the advertisement does not violate the rules for the distance to cultural objects. Have you heard anything about whether they have yet responded to the letter from the diocese?