This week, the World Russian People's Assembly is being held in Moscow. On November 28, 2024, a plenary session took place at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, chaired by Patriarch Kirill. The forum's theme was "The Russian World: External and Internal Challenges." Speeches were made by the Patriarch, government representatives, and public figures. Special attention was given to the preservation of traditional values, as well as the interaction between the Church and the state. The Assembly's final statement was approved, and the Patriarch proposed combating the issue of foul language.

The youth section of the World Russian People's Assembly took place on November 29 at the Presidential Academy. Participants discussed the role of traditional values and the Church in the lives of young people, patriotic education, and the importance of uniting youth organizations. A resolution was adopted, emphasizing the choice of Russian youth in favor of spiritual and moral values and Orthodox traditions. This document will be presented at the Assembly’s concluding session.

At the section of the World Russian People's Assembly dedicated to the armed forces, the head of the Synodal Department for Interaction with the Armed Forces reported that over 2,500 priests of the Russian Orthodox Church have visited the special military operation (SMO) zone to provide spiritual support to military personnel. During the information section of the Assembly, military correspondents discussed coverage of the special military operation. Speakers highlighted the importance of being present in combat zones to accurately report on events. The artistic interpretation of the war, which experts believe will emerge over time, was also touched upon. Additionally, there was a presentation of Patriarch Kirill's new book The Present and Future of the Russian World and a discussion on the civics textbook for Orthodox gymnasiums.

In Georgia, the 20th anniversary of the consecration of Tbilisi's Holy Trinity Cathedral was celebrated. On November 23, a festive service was led by Metropolitan Shio (Mudzhiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, the Patriarchal Locum Tenens. On the eve of St. George's Day, the Georgian Church held the 70th universal baptism at the Trinity Cathedral. On this occasion, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia became the godfather to 700 children. Since 2008, more than 48,000 children have been baptized by the Patriarch in this tradition.

The Georgian Patriarchate called for peace and mutual respect following protests in Tbilisi, where clashes with the police led to damage and the use of force on both sides. The protests erupted after the prime minister announced the suspension of negotiations with the EU until 2028. A total of 107 people were detained, and 10 police officers were injured. The Church emphasized the importance of dialogue and renouncing violence, urging society and authorities to maintain peace.

The Romanian Orthodox Church called on priests to refrain from political agitation following reports that priests had been posting political videos on social media. This week, the country held the first round of the presidential elections, after which the Holy Synod issued a statement stressing that clergy must remain politically neutral and express their preferences only through secret voting. The Church also urged political parties not to use church resources for political purposes. The second round of elections will take place on December 8.

In London, the enthronement of Bishop Nektarios of the Serbian Orthodox Church took place. He became the first hierarch of the newly formed London and British-Irish Diocese. The ceremony at St. Sava’s Cathedral was presided over by Serbian Patriarch Porfirije. The event was attended by numerous hierarchs, clergy, and laity from various Local Churches, as well as representatives of both British and Serbian secular authorities. King Charles III sent a congratulatory message to Bishop Nektarios.

The Finnish Orthodox Church elected a new primate, Metropolitan Ilya (Vallgren), who previously headed the Oulu Diocese. The enthronement of the new Archbishop of Helsinki and all Finland will take place on December 15. The current Archbishop Leo, who has led the Church for 23 years, will retire on December 1.

Metropolitan Timofey of Debar-Kichevo and Plaosht was the head of one of the largest dioceses of the Macedonian Orthodox Church. He passed away, and the memorial service was held on November 28 at the Holy Sophia Cathedral in Ohrid, led by Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid and Macedonia. Condolences were expressed by the heads of the Bulgarian and Serbian Orthodox Churches. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia also sent a message of condolences to the Archbishop of Ohrid.

In Bangkok, celebrations were held to mark the 25th anniversary of the Russian Orthodox Church’s presence in Thailand. The Divine Liturgy at the St. Nicholas Cathedral was celebrated by Metropolitan Antony of Volokolamsk, head of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, and Metropolitan Sergiy of Singapore and Southeast Asia, Patriarchal Exarch for Southeast Asia. Metropolitan Antony also attended a meeting of the Synod of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Southeast Asia as an honored guest and met with the Supreme Patriarch of Thai Buddhists.

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia awarded renowned Serbian director, screenwriter, and producer Emir Kusturica with the Order of St. Seraphim of Sarov, 1st class, for his significant contribution to preserving traditional values in society and in celebration of his 70th birthday.