Grand Opening Ceremony and Sima Consecration of Myanmar Theravada Buddhist Center in Moscow
The Myanmar Theravada Buddhist Center was officially opened at 101 Vladimirskaia Street, Balashikha District, Moscow, Russia on the Full Moon Day of Waso in the Buddhist Year 2568 (July 1, 2015).
The ceremony was presided over by:
Sayadaw Dr. Ñāṇissara, Vice-Chancellor of Sitagu International Buddhist Academy and Joint Sangha Nayaka of Shwekyin Nikaya
Sayadaw Dr. Sekinda, Dhamma Tutor of International Theravada Buddhist University
The opening commenced at 8:00 AM with the recitation of Namo Tassa three times. At 8:49 AM, the Buddhist flag was hoisted by Sayadaw Dr. Sekinda, Head Professor of International Theravada Buddhist University.
At 8:52 AM, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by:
H.E. U Tin Yut, Ambassador of Myanmar to the Russian Federation (Chairman of the Center's Implementation Committee)
Major General San Oo, Military Attaché
At 8:55 AM, Ambassador U Tin Yut delivered welcoming remarks to the venerable monks. At 9:00 AM, Sayadaw Dr. Dhammasami from Oxford University gave an auspicious speech, followed by an address from Sayadaw Dr. Ñāṇissara at 9:12 AM. Commemorative photos were taken afterward.
The Sima consecration ceremony began at 9:22 AM under the leadership of 15 venerable monks including:
1. Sayadaw Dr. Ñāṇissara (Sitagu)
2. Sayadaw Dr. Dhammasami
3. Sayadaw Dr. Sekinda
4. Tipitakadhara Sayadaw Dr. Gandhamālābhivaṃsa
5. Sayadaw U Osadha
6. Sayadaw Ariyadhamma (Sitagu)
7. Sayadaw Sandasiri
8. Sayadaw Devindābhivaṃsa (Sitagu)
9. Sayadaw Sundara
10. Sayadaw U Lokanātha
11. Sayadaw Dr. Nandaka
12. Sayadaw Dr. Issariya
13. Sayadaw Dr. Nandamālālaṅkāra
14. Sayadaw Piṇḍicca
15. Sayadaw Kusala-sāmi
9:41 AM
The Sima was successfully consecrated and named "Saddhammajotika Sima" (The Light of True Dhamma).
The ceremonies concluded successfully, marking a significant milestone for Theravada Buddhism in Russia and creating an important spiritual center for the Myanmar community abroad.
Buddha Center Moscow 