US State Department didn’t allow Russian diplomats to attend opening of monument in California

The US State Department didn’t approve the trip of Russian diplomats to the opening ceremony of the monument to the holy righteous John of Kronstadt in San Diego (California), according to the Russian Embassy in the US, Report informs referring to Kommersant newspaper.

“Russian diplomats wanted to take part in a significant event that contributes to the preservation of our native culture, the Russian language, as well as strengthening the unity of our diaspora. <...> However, the State Department refused to approve our trip,” the diplomatic mission notes.

The monument to John of Kronstadt was unveiled on October 29 on the territory of an Orthodox church in San Diego. After the event, Archbishop Kirill of San Francisco and Western America led a service. The monument was cast and sanctified in St. Petersburg, after which it was transported to the US.