On March 20, 2025, a significant gathering took place at the Patriarchal and Synodal Residence in the Danilov Monastery in Moscow, where the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church convened under the leadership of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. This meeting followed the XXIII International Christmas Educational Readings held earlier in January, which focused on the theme “80 years of Great Victory: memory and spiritual experience of generations.”
The Christmas Educational Readings, held from January 26 to January 30, commenced with a Divine Liturgy presided over by Patriarch Kirill at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, where a multitude of archpastors and clergy were in attendance. The solemn assembly in the State Kremlin Palace on January 28 saw over 5,500 participants, including greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister M.V. Mishustin, and key parliamentary leaders.
During the readings, a staggering 220 events unfolded, covering eighteen different areas. Participants included notable representatives from dioceses across Russia as well as nations beyond its borders, such as Abkhazia, Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Georgia, and more. This broad participation underscores the unity and collaborative spirit within the Orthodox community.
At the March 20 meeting, the Holy Synod acknowledged the significance of the educational readings, highlighting their role in unifying clergy, government representatives, and the educational and cultural community. The Synod expressed gratitude to the Organizing Committee for their efforts in ensuring the success of the event.
In an important resolution, the Holy Synod approved the final document of the XXIII International Christmas Educational Readings and set the stage for the next iteration of the event. The XXXIV International Christmas Educational Readings are scheduled for January 25-29, 2026, under the theme “Enlightenment and Virtue: Formation of Personality and Challenges of Time.” Additionally, the XIV Parliamentary Meetings will be held on January 29, 2026.
The meeting also saw various other important discussions. A report was presented by Metropolitan Benjamin of Minsk and Zaslavsky concerning the Synod of the Belarusian Exarchate, which was subsequently approved. Similarly, records of the Metropolitan District's Synod in Kazakhstan were validated by the Synod members, reflecting a commitment to maintain strong ties across all Russian Orthodox jurisdictions.
Among the decisions made, the Holy Synod extended condolences upon the passing of Metropolitan Panteleimon of Krasnoyarsk and Achinsk, acknowledging his many years of dedicated service. He will be laid to rest in the Krasnodar Territory with support from the diocesan administration.
The Synod also addressed administrative matters, such as the establishment of a new diocese in Grozny, Chechnya, and Ingushetia, which will function separately from the Makhachkala diocese, further expanding the representation of the Orthodox Church in the region.
Additionally, the Holy Synod resolved various personnel changes, including appointing new bishops to vacant seats in the Kokshetausk and Feodosiysk dioceses. These changes reflect ongoing efforts to bolster church leadership and organization amidst diverse challenges.
Significantly, during the meeting, the Synod issued a report focusing on the status of the Rzhev diocese. It expressed concern regarding a recent petition to convert the Holy Tikhonovsk Women’s Monastery in Toropets into a parish, citing the longstanding difficulties faced by the ruling bishop in rejuvenating monastic life. The Holy Synod noted some dissatisfaction with the spiritual administration in this area, leading to important decisions about future leadership.
Further administrative resolutions included the appointments of various bishops across several diocese locations, including moving bishops to different jurisdictions, showcasing the dynamic nature of church governance.
Reports from Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk addressed crucial engagements, including visits to Lebanon, Albania, Italy, Serbia, and Armenia. From January 25 to 26, Metropolitan Anthony met with Patriarch John X of Antioch in Lebanon and participated in significant liturgical events in Albania, commemorating Archbishop Anastasios.
His trip to Italy included meetings with bishops and senior officials, reflecting the church’s dedication to fostering interfaith dialogue and cooperation. In Armenia, Metropolitan Anthony's conversation with the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos Garegin II focused on a range of collaborative areas, including the promotion of Christian values globally.
As the meeting concluded, the Holy Synod reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the spiritual foundation of the church while adapting to the various challenges of modern society. The continuation of educational initiatives and the nurturing of collaborative relations across jurisdictions remain high priorities.
The discussions and decisions from this Synod meeting demonstrate the proactive approach of the Russian Orthodox Church, aiming to enhance its spiritual mission and administrative effectiveness across a wide ranging international landscape, a testament to its enduring legacy and impact.
