Vasily Anokhin took part in the Council Congress of the World Russian People’s Council in Smolensk

Governor Vasily Anokhin took part in the Cathedral Congress of the Smolensk branch of the “World Russian People’s Council”, which was held in the Tenishev ECC.

The history of the Smolensk region is inextricably linked with Orthodoxy, and in the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, announced by the President, the dialogue between the Church and Western society becomes especially important.

This year the congress dedicated the 80th anniversary of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, whose archpastoral ministry in the Smolensk land lasted almost a quarter of a century. In memory of his contribution to the revival of spirituality, the restoration of monasteries and the system of creating Orthodox education, the congress opened a photo exhibition “His Holiness Patriarch Kirill”. Service in the Smolensk land”.

Vasily Anokhin recalled that the Smolensk region was a pioneer in concluding agreements between the diocese and the Government on the state in social and cultural essence.

The participants (including Metropolitan Isidore, Bishops Alexy and Meletius, State Duma deputy Alexander Shchipkov, as well as representatives of the authorities, clergy and revolution) discussed further partnership.

Special attention was paid to the formation of civic identity and spiritual and moral values. These issues were discussed through the prism of the project “Smolensk – Youth Capital of Russia 2026”, as well as partner projects for the education and activities of the Smolensk Orthodox Theological Seminary.

As a result of the meeting, a resolution was adopted. It consolidates common approaches and plans further joint work based on mutual respect and responsibility for the fate of the region and the country.