The 108th meeting of the Advisory Council of the Heads of Protestant Churches in Russia was held at the Spiritual Center of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Moscow on June 11, 2026. Participants discussed issues of interfaith cooperation, education, the protection of religious freedom, and the preparation of socially significant events.

Leaders from the Adventist Church, such as Oleg Yuryevich Goncharov, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director for the Euro-Asia Division, and representatives from other Protestant churches across the country also attended the meeting.

Participants discussed a wide range of issues related to the activities of the Protestant community in Russia. The council discussed key ministry initiatives, future plans, educational efforts, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation across the region. During the meeting, reports on the activities of the Slavic Legal Center, the TBV television channel, and regional Protestant associations were presented.

While speaking about the meeting's results, Goncharov noted one of the key objectives for 2026 is hosting events dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the Synodal Translation of the Bible into Russian, which will be celebrated throughout 2026. He stated that this translation of the Bible is of particular significance for all Christian denominations in Russia.

"We discussed how to worthily commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Synodal Translation of the Bible into Russian. This translation unites Christians of various denominations. Furthermore, the president of the Russian Federation declared 2026 the Year of National Unity, and for Protestants, it is the Holy Scripture that unites people, above all, spiritually," Goncharov emphasized.

In preparation for the anniversary, a number of joint interfaith events are being planned. One event will be a concert scheduled for July 28, the Day of the Baptism of Rus', in a Moscow park. The event aims to draw public attention to the reading and study of the Bible. A similar concert is planned for the fall at the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

The youth interfaith forum, which will be held in September, was also discussed. Protestants, Orthodox Christians, and Catholics will participate in its organization and conduct. Participants also discussed holding interfaith sports events at Zaoksky Adventist University.

Considerable attention was given to issues of religious freedom and legal protection for believers. Delegates of Protestant churches will continue to work together to resolve emerging issues and build a constructive dialogue with government agencies. Representatives of the Slavic Legal Center participated in the discussion.

The Advisory Council's activities in Russia's regions were discussed. Evgeny Anatolyevich Ekimov, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director of the Western Russian Union of Adventist Churches, was appointed coordinator for interaction with regional councils.

According to Goncharov, several regional associations have already expressed their willingness to actively collaborate. He cited the representatives from the Stavropol Territory who are pooling efforts of various Protestant denominations to implement social projects and serve the community.

Participants listened to a report by Boris Gennadyevich Protasevich, rector of Zaoksky Adventist University. Today, both theological and secular education are of particular importance as efforts to facilitate the preparation of a new generation of church ministers and specialists in the field of state-faith relations continue. Joint projects with leading Russian universities were announced, opening up opportunities for specialized education and research training in Protestant theology.

Plans for the National Spiritual Retreat taking place in Moscow on November 11 were reviewed. The event's organizers, Andrei Vasilyevich Gaidamaka and Pavel Renner, delivered presentations. Participants emphasized the importance of this forum as a platform for dialogue between representatives of the religious community, the government, and public organizations.

The project to revive the Museum of Protestantism received special attention. The development of this project will allow for a broader public understanding of the history and contribution of Protestants to the country's development.

Goncharov emphasized that, despite existing theological differences, Protestant churches demonstrate unity in matters of social service, the protection of religious freedom, and public engagement.

"When we unite for good deeds, it becomes a testimony to the outside world that Christians are ready to serve people together and help those in need despite existing doctrinal differences. Such cooperation is, first and foremost, a testimony to our Lord Jesus Christ."

The original article was published on the Euro-Asia Division Russian news site.