On January 29, 2025, faith-based organizations and humanitarian leaders convened in Moscow, Russia, for the Round Table on "Social Service of Religious Communities – Interfaith Exchange of Experience."

The event, held as part of the XXXIII International Christmas Educational Readings, took place at the Department of External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate. Representatives from the Seventh-day Adventist Church and ADRA in the Euro-Asia Division (ESD) presented their initiatives, contributing to discussions on faith-based humanitarian aid and interfaith cooperation.

Collaboration in Social Service Efforts

The Round Table was chaired by Maxim Pletnev, head of the Coordination Center for Combating Alcoholism and Drug Abuse of the St. Petersburg Diocese’s Department for Charity and Social Service.

Representing the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Oleg Goncharov, head of the Public Relations Department of the ESD; Alexander Leukhin, head of ADRA ESD; and Daniil Dudarev, head of ADRA Moscow, participated in the discussions.

Leukhin presented a report titled "Projects of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to Provide Assistance During Humanitarian Disasters." He outlined the social service projects implemented by ADRA Russia in 2024, which included aid for victims of natural disasters such as floods in Siberia and the Urals and refugee assistance in the Kursk region.

Looking ahead, he introduced ADRA’s 2025 initiatives, with a key focus on the "Church Ready for Crisis" project, which aims to train church members and volunteers in crisis response and humanitarian aid.

This initiative was welcomed by participants as an important step in strengthening faith-based emergency preparedness.

Leukhin also emphasized the importance of collaboration between religious organizations and government agencies, recognizing that interfaith partnerships contribute to more effective humanitarian work.

He expressed gratitude to Goncharov for his role in fostering cooperation between ADRA and other faith communities.

Humanitarian Efforts in Moscow and Beyond

Dudarev shared insights into local relief projects supporting vulnerable populations in the Kursk region and the DPR.

He noted that these initiatives were made possible through the generosity and active participation of Adventist church members in the Moscow Association of the Western Russian Union (ZRS).

During the discussion, participants explored various aspects of social service efforts carried out by religious organizations.

One key area of focus was interfaith cooperation in providing aid to victims of armed conflicts, highlighting how faith-based organizations can work together to offer support in times of crisis. The group also examined the spiritual and psychological support needed for elderly individuals, emphasizing the role of faith communities in addressing loneliness and mental health concerns among seniors.

Another topic of discussion was the rehabilitation and reintegration of combat veterans, with attendees sharing experiences on how religious organizations can contribute to helping former servicemen and women transition back into society.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the interaction between religious groups and the Public Oversight Commission (POC) in protecting the rights of convicts, underscoring the importance of advocating for humane treatment and rehabilitation opportunities within correctional facilities.

Participants also explored ways to strengthen partnerships between religious organizations and non-profit groups in preventing juvenile delinquency, recognizing that early intervention and community-based initiatives can play a crucial role in guiding at-risk youth toward positive development.

Throughout the session, speakers emphasized the value of faith-based humanitarian work and the need for continued collaboration to address the social challenges facing Russian society.

The original article was published on the Euro-Asia Division website.