Bell ringing permitted on weekend mornings in St. Petersburg

On January 27, Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov approved a law amending the rules for observing quiet hours. The document was initiated by city parliament deputy Pavel Krupnik.

According to the adopted amendments, actions performed by legal entities and citizens during religious services in accordance with canonical requirements are not subject to the ban on noise violations in apartment buildings on weekends from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Last autumn, Pavel Krupnik stated at a parliament meeting that for Orthodox believers, bell ringing is not noise, and many deliberately buy housing near churches. To dissenting residents, he suggested considering the possibility of moving. «We must respect people»s religious feelings,« the deputy noted.

The bill was adopted in the third reading on January 21. Only one deputy spoke against its approval.

There are about 200 Orthodox churches in St. Petersburg, most of which are located in close proximity to residential buildings. At the same time, fines for bell ringing have not previously been imposed on religious organizations.