A solemn ceremony of blessing the flags of the Russian Federation and FSUE “Rosmorport” took place in the Priory of St. Andrew located at Bolshoy Zayatsky island of the Solovetsky Archipelago.

The blessed flag of FSUE “Rosmorport” will wave on the mast of the Mir sailing ship, which is now heading towards Murmansk Seaport.

The old tradition of blessing flags was born in the times of Peter I. In the summer of 1702 his ships made the harbor at Zayatsky Island. The emperor ordered to build a wooden church in the name of St. Andrew the Apostle on the high coast, and also had a hand in the construction. According to a legend, the Andrew flag of the Russian fleet was blessed in that very place.

The Mir sailing ship under the flag of FSUE “Rosmorport” is to take part in the Cutty Sark Tall Ships Races 2015. We sincerely wish the ship’s crew good luck and victorious return!