Bishop Theodorite attended the premiere of an animated film "The Forgotten Miracle"

On July 10, the Bishop of Zvenigorod Theodorite, Rector of the Moscow Theological Academy, attended the premiere of an animated film "The Forgotten Miracle" at the «Karo 11 October” cinema dedicated to St. Sergius of Radonezh. It coincided with the 600th anniversary of discovering St. Sergius’ relics celebrated on July 18, 2022.

The Forgotten Miracle is a joint project of the animation studio “Parovoz”, the Moscow Theological Academy, the Holy Trinity - St. Sergius Lavra and a state corporation “Rosteh”. The cartoon has been in production since 2018.

According to the plot, three classmates, Dima, Nastya and Gosha, left behind a guided tour round the Holy Trinity - St. Sergius Lavra and set off to explore it on their own. In the Duck Tower they accidentally discover a magical portal to the past. From that time, the children try to return home. On their way, they have to go through the "magical forest" of the XIV century, the time of the Mongol yoke. One of the greatest Russian saints and a wonderworker St. Sergius of Radonezh helps the children and they learn the life of the Reverend.

A film director Andrey Kolpin, producers Anton Smetankin and Marianna Galstukhova-Smetankina, an author of an idea and a chief screenwriter Maria Parfenova, CEO of GPM KIT Andrey Tereshok and an investor from the state corporation “Rosteh” (project initiator and) Vasily Brovko presented the cartoon.

On the behalf of the Russian Orthodox Church spoke the Bishop of Sergiev Posad and Dmitrov Thomas, Abbot of the Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra, the Bishop of Zvenigorod Theodorite, Rector of the Moscow Theological Academy, and a priest Anatoly Kolot, Deputy rector of the MThA and an editor of the picture.

Bishop Thomas emphasized that St. Sergius is a patron saint of students and expressed his wish that the children will turn their hearts to the saint in their prayers.

Bishop Theodorite thanked the project crew for their productive work and expressed a hope for further interaction. Who knows, maybe there are some future applicants for theological schools among the presented young audience?

Priest Anatoly Kolot emphasized that “the key to success was in using the language, of art to talk about St. Sergius himself”. He hoped that for everyone who watches the cartoon, despite his age, a social status or religious believes St. Sergius becomes a true friend.

Tina Kandelaki, Irina Bezrukova, Sergey Filin, Alisa Voks, Natalya Lesnikovskaya, Eva Smirnova, an actress and a TV presenter Anna Khilkevich, who dubbed a main cartoon character, and other celebrities also attended the new animation.

“When I found out that the cartoon has such a deep meaning, there was no doubt whether to take part or not. Everyone has age difficulties while growing and changing. The story puts its heroes in the most challenging environment. Thanks to that a superficial egocentric girl turns into a deep, wise and helpful friend. In this way, Nastya becomes a role model for our children, as we would like to see them cordial, kind and capable of deeds” said Anna Khilkevich.

The film is on screen on July 16, 2022.

The MThA Press Office/Bogoslov.ru