On February 15, the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Orthodox Youth Day. This international holiday was established in 1992 and has been widely observed in Russia since 2002. On this day, young believers gather with clergy, participate in concerts, sports competitions, and conferences.

The history of the celebration dates back to the mid-20th century when the global Orthodox youth movement Syndesmos was founded in France. The first Youth Day celebration took place in 1953, and the day was officially recognized as an international holiday at the 14th Assembly of the Heads of Local Orthodox Churches.

Traditionally, on Orthodox Youth Day, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia addresses young believers with a message of guidance. In his greeting, he encouraged them to be courageous in their faith and steadfast in their Christian convictions, emphasizing the importance of spiritual vigilance and connection with God.

"Youth is a time of opportunities, but also of trials and doubts," the Patriarch noted. "May your hearts be wide open to an encounter with the Creator." He stressed that without a spiritual foundation, a person may feel an inner emptiness that external distractions cannot fill.

Patriarch Kirill also referred to the Gospel event of the Meeting of the Lord, reminding that it symbolizes the most important encounter—the meeting between man and God. "Even if the wait seems long, and the answer to prayer delayed, we must remember: God will appear in our lives at the most necessary moment," he said.

Concluding his address, His Holiness wished young people spiritual strength, peace, and joy, as well as growth in good deeds and faith.