From April 4–6, 2025, approximately 130 participants gathered in Kazan, Russia, for a forum dedicated to the history and heritage of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Attendees traveled from cities across Volga-Vyatka, Ural, and Volga regions to take part in the event.

The forum focused on introducing the literary legacy of Ellen G. White and her contribution to the formation, mission, and development of the Adventist Church. Eugene Zaytsev, director of the Institute of Biblical Research of the Euro-Asia Division (ESD), spoke on the formation of the Adventist Church organization, the legacy of Ellen White, the principle of Sola Scriptura, and the early development of church doctrines, medical ministry, and Adventist education.

Vsevolod Andrusyak, director of the Center for Spiritual and Historical Heritage of the Adventist Church in the ESD, addressed Ellen White’s spiritual influence, the continuity of the prophetic gift, the process by which she wrote her works, and the role and authority of her writings in the life of the church.

Alexander Zhukov, director of the Department of Spiritual and Historical Heritage for the Western Russian Union, led a seminar on common misuses of Ellen White’s writings and offered guidance on appropriate interpretation.

Dmitry Bulatov, president of the Volga-Vyatka Conference, introduced participants to principles for interpreting Ellen White’s works, while Evgeny Sedov, director of the Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Department, presented on the historical context in which the Adventist movement emerged and began to grow.

Forum organizer Sedov emphasized the importance of balanced understanding when approaching Ellen White’s writings.

“We focused on how important it is to give a correct, balanced assessment of Ellen White’s works, avoiding extremes," Sedov said. "It is especially important to show the younger generation how progressive White’s messages and ideas were within the context of the 19th century, when the Church occupied leading positions in many areas. Her advice and literary heritage were unique and timely, helping set the direction of the Church and saving it from many errors. In this regard, we also addressed the problem of misinterpretation of Sister White’s statements.”

The forum included a roundtable discussion where participants addressed various questions regarding Ellen White’s life, ministry, and writings.

Throughout the event, speakers underscored Ellen White’s significant role in shaping the Church’s work in preventive medicine, education, publishing, and organizational development. Her writings, books, letters, and other publications have supported believers for decades and continue to reveal biblical truths to new generations.

Reflecting on the forum, Alevtina Smirnova, coordinator of the Ellen White Spiritual Heritage ministries for the Dzerzhinsk church, shared, "Thanks to the speakers for their dedication and professionalism in revealing the issues surrounding the formation and development of the Church, and for the thorough examination of God's special gift of prophecy in Earth's history, particularly in the last days. This forum was organized very timely and was truly useful."

The original article was published on the Euro-Asia Division Russian news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.