Political and religious leaders in Russia met and exchanged ideas earlier this month at a prayer breakfast that organizers are calling “the first of its kind.” The 200-strong group included religious leaders, journalists, political representatives, and foreign guests.

Victor Zorkoltsev, head of the State Duma Commission on Public and Religious Associations, spoke at the breakfast, saying he hoped the event will become a tradition in Russia.  In his speech, Zorkoltsev also noted that the Protestant movement in Russia is growing and increasing in strength.

Artur Stele, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Euro-Asia, and Vasily Stolyar, church president in the west Russian region, were two of the five religious leaders who were asked to offer prayer at the breakfast.