On January 18, 2025, a youth prayer event for Christian unity took place in Moscow at the 'Good News' church. The gathering was part of the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, bringing together representatives from Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant communities. Organizers adapted materials from the World Council of Churches and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity to suit a youth format. Participants engaged in Bible reading, singing, and group discussions. Representatives from the Catholic Archdiocese and the Russian Union of Evangelical Christians emphasized that diverse confessions share one head in Jesus Christ. The event highlighted that unity can be built through diversity among believers.
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On November 19, 2024, the National Spiritual Supper took place at the Hyatt Regency in Moscow, Russia. Organized by a foundation established by Russian evangelical unions, the event aimed to create a platform for dialogue among various societal groups united by traditional moral values. The gathering was supported by multiple Christian denominations in Russia. Attendees included high-ranking government officials, such as State Duma deputies and members of the Public Chamber, alongside prominent church leaders from Pentecostal, Lutheran, Baptist, and Orthodox communities. Speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration between religious organizations, authorities, and business to strengthen Russia's spiritual foundations. Representatives from the United States also sent video greetings, highlighting the global significance of such initiatives during times of instability.
A working meeting was held in the Russian State Duma to prepare for the National Prayer Breakfast, an event modeled after the US tradition. Deputy Dmitry Kuznetsov chaired the session, which included Vitaly Vlasenko, the General Secretary of the Russian Evangelical Alliance (REA). According to the outlet, the discussion focused on technical organization and the role of such gatherings in strengthening societal moral foundations. Vlasenko emphasized the need for churches to actively address social issues and support those in need. The REA states that these events foster dialogue between different confessions, public organizations, and government authorities to promote social service and national unity.
The 'Multiplier-2024' Christian forum took place in Yekaterinburg, Russia, from October 3 to 5, 2024. The event gathered over 400 missionaries and church leaders from 22 Russian regions to discuss evangelism strategies. Key speakers included Peter Mitzkevits, Victor Levashov, Vitaly Moroz, and Timur Busygin. The agenda focused on prayer, personal witness, and pastoral care. Participants engaged in focus groups addressing outreach to youth and unreached peoples. The forum aimed to inspire believers and strengthen church missions across the country, with future events planned for Rostov-on-Don and the Russian Far East.
The 7th International Conference on Christian Leadership took place in Budapest, Hungary, at the Reformed University of Károli Gáspár. Organized by European and South African universities, the event hosted representatives from 11 countries. For the first time, a Russian delegate, Dr. Sergei Lavrenov, President of the Russian Evangelical Alliance, presented a report. He discussed manipulative practices among charismatic church leaders in Russia, noting these tactics were inherited from Western spiritual fathers. His presentation, which outlined nine specific manipulation themes, received strong approval from attendees, particularly those from Pentecostal movements in Africa and North America. All conference materials will be published for future study.
On November 19, 2024, Moscow held the National Spiritual Breakfast, an event aimed at strengthening interfaith dialogue and spiritual connections. Organizers expanded the traditional prayer breakfast format to include representatives from Orthodoxy, Islam, evangelical communities, State Duma deputies, and guests from BRICS nations. While the forum attracted a wide international audience, some participants expressed disappointment over the loss of the intimate prayer atmosphere characteristic of previous years. Andrei Gaidamak, president of the Foundation for the Revival of Spirituality, emphasized the goal of societal transformation through personal spiritual change. The Russian Evangelical Alliance stated it would support future efforts to balance the event's growing scale with its original spiritual depth.
On November 10, approximately 1,500 people attended the second All-Russian United Service of Evangelical Christians in Moscow. The event took place at the Amber Plaza conference hall. Pastors and preachers from various Russian cities delivered messages focused on the theme of mission. The gathering emphasized the Great Commission and the role of mission in modern church life. The service included joint worship and communion to foster unity. The event was organized by numerous congregations from the central region and other parts of Russia. The slogan for the assembly was One Christ, One Church, One Mission. The report was provided by the Spectrum Information Bureau.
Sergey Ryakhovsky, the presiding bishop of the Russian United Union of Christians of Evangelical Faith (ROSHVE), stated that the Ukrainian parliament's move to ban the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church is politically motivated and unacceptable. The legislation, supported by the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches, gives the church nine months to sever ties with the Russian Orthodox Church. Ryakhovsky compared the situation to Soviet-era religious persecution, arguing it strips millions of their right to worship. He emphasized that such laws are detrimental to modern society and affirmed that Russian Christians are praying for their Ukrainian counterparts during this difficult period.
Moscow hosted a solemn mass to celebrate the Holy See's national day at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Representatives from Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant communities, along with diplomatic missions, attended the service. The event highlighted ongoing cooperation among Christian denominations in Russia. Participants emphasized shared goals in spreading the Gospel and promoting social harmony. The celebration concluded with blessings and expressions of gratitude to clergy, underscoring a collective commitment to preserving spiritual values and fostering unity among different faith groups in the capital.
A religious program examines the potential consequences of drug legalization in Germany, featuring a rehabilitation minister. The broadcast also covers international updates: a European nation has enshrined the right to abortion in its constitution, prompting local bishops to call for prayer. In Turkey, the Ministry of National Education banned private schools from celebrating Western holidays like Easter and Christmas. Meanwhile, the UK government published a new definition of 'extremism' that critics say could equate defending traditional Christian values with extremism. The segment aired on a specific TV channel in 2024.
Vitaly Vlasenko, general secretary of the Russian Evangelical Alliance, issued a statement marking the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. He urged evangelical believers in Russia to unite in prayer and support for Christians facing persecution. Vlasenko emphasized that these are real lives and sufferings, not just statistics. He highlighted the importance of cooperation and dialogue among churches to build bridges between communities. The alliance aims to create spaces for interaction and mutual support to demonstrate unity in Christ. The statement serves as a call for solidarity and hope for those suffering for their faith.
On October 30, 2024, deputies from the New People faction introduced a bill to the State Duma banning religious services in non-residential spaces within apartment buildings. Proponents cite public safety, fire codes, and neighbor comfort as reasons. Religious leaders, including pastors Alexander Fedichkin, Sergey Filinov, and Oleg Goncharov, oppose the measure, arguing it violates constitutional freedom of conscience. The Consultative Council of Heads of Protestant Churches in Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church also expressed concern, warning that the ban could disrupt worship for communities lacking dedicated facilities and potentially close Orthodox house churches. Legal experts note previous similar attempts were struck down by the Constitutional Court.
The first interfaith women's forum titled 'Soziday' took place in central Moscow on Novy Arbat, gathering hundreds of women from various Christian organizations. According to Protestant.ru, participants discussed spiritual values, the role of women in society, and modern challenges. The State Duma presented certificates of gratitude to influential figures, including mother of fourteen Lyudmila Baryshnikova and TV host Tatiana Chernyaeva. Speakers emphasized the mission of creation and supporting unborn children, with Natalia Moskvitina highlighting the importance of helping women choose to keep their babies. The event provided a platform for sharing experiences and fostering community among women committed to Christian values.
Several thousand men from across Russia gathered at the Christian Mission church in Moscow for the All-Russian men's conference titled 'Fatherhood of God'. Held at the Main Stage venue, the event focused on understanding God's fatherly principles and addressing the societal deficit of father figures. Speakers, including Bishop Eduard Deregov and Senior Bishop Sergei Ryakhovsky, discussed how earthly fathers should reflect the image of the Heavenly Father. They emphasized that proper fatherhood reduces orphanhood and crime by providing love and guidance. The conference highlighted the importance of men trusting in their Heavenly Father and dedicating themselves to raising children as examples.
On October 7, 2023, armed militants entered the home of Dmitry and Ekaterina Sumrov in the Nahal Oz kibbutz, located near the Gaza Strip in Israel. The attackers searched the residence, leaving bloodstains and spent ammunition, but failed to locate the family who were hiding behind a door just five centimeters away. The incident highlights the dangers faced by residents in communities bordering Gaza during the outbreak of violence. The Sumrovs managed to evade capture or harm despite the proximity of the intruders.
The annual 'Russia Without Orphans' conference took place in Moscow on June 12-13, 2024. Organizers, including Ivan Iklyushin and Bishop Sergei Ryakhovsky, argued that strong families are the best platform for helping at-risk children. The event featured discussions on traditional values and improved adoption support. Participants highlighted that families receiving specialized training have significantly lower rates of returning children to state care compared to national averages. The conference concluded with recommendations to strengthen post-adoption support systems for youth turning 18.
On May 18, 2024, the first worship service took place at the Gospel House in Saint Petersburg, Russia, following a 94-year hiatus since its last service in February 1930. Igor Anatolyevich Kuznetsov, senior presbyter of the Baptist churches in the region, led the gathering. Attendees included local presbyters, staff members, and relatives of ministers who worked there in the 1920s. The event featured the breaking of bread. The service marks a significant restoration of religious activity at the historic building on Vasilievsky Island, which served as the center for the Northern Union of Baptists in the early 20th century. The Russian Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists reported the event.
A joint delegation from the Russian Evangelical Alliance and the Council of Churches and Christian Organizations visited China at the invitation of the China Christian Council. Led by Bishop Leonid Kartavenko and Bishop Igor Karasev, the group held meetings in various Chinese cities. They discussed strengthening ties with Chinese church leaders, including Wu Wei and Liu Kuaming, and visited theological seminaries and publishing centers. The parties agreed to exchange information and plan a reciprocal visit to Russia, aiming to deepen spiritual cooperation between the two nations. The Russian Evangelical Alliance press service reported the details.
On May 14, 2024, the 15th annual Prayer Breakfast took place at the Emerald Hotel in St Petersburg, Russia. Organized by the Prayer Breakfast Charitable Foundation, the interdenominational event has been held yearly since 2009. The 2024 gathering focused on family and traditional family values, a theme declared prominent in Russia this year. Vitaly Vlasenko, General Secretary of the Russian Evangelical Alliance, welcomed attendees and shared the history of the movement. The program included reports on family issues and awards for couples and organizations contributing to these values. The event concluded with refreshments and group photos, according to the Russian Evangelical Alliance press service.
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