The Synodal Department for Prison Ministry summed up the results of the All-Russian Bell Ringing competition among convicts held in places of deprivation of liberty.
The competition, organized by the Synodal Department for Prison Ministry in cooperation with the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, traditionally takes place in two stages — at the regional and federal levels. In 2026, a record number of applications were received at the federal stage.: 70 videos with recordings of bells from 66 regions of Russia. For the first time during the contest, female bell ringers took part in it.
The conditions of the contestants were different: in some correctional institutions there are full-fledged belfries, in others the participants used a modest set of bells, metal plates and even gas cylinders. However, each of them tried to show their skills and responsible attitude to bell-ringing obedience.
The winners of the competition were Alexander M. from IK-6 of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Tver region and Andrey P. from IK-5 of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Ivanovo region. The second place was shared by Polina G. from IK-4 GUFSIN of Russia in the Chelyabinsk region and Maxim P. from IK-18 GUFSIN of Russia in the Novosibirsk region. The third place was taken by Yuri Ya. from the Perm educational colony and Dmitry S. from IK-15 of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Krasnoyarsk Territory.
The winners of the competition were representatives of correctional institutions of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the Republic of Bashkortostan, the Republic of Khakassia, Moscow, Kemerovo, Murmansk, Ryazan, Samara, Smolensk and Tula regions.
The chairman of the jury, Priest Kirill Markovsky, noted that the expansion of the geography of the competition indicates the increasing interest of convicts in bell ringing art. According to him, an important role in this is played by spiritual care in colonies and pre-trial detention centers, as well as the work of Orthodox volunteer bell ringers who teach convicts how to ring bells.
The jury members emphasized that the competition evaluates not only technical skills, but also an attentive, prayerful attitude to ringing. Even with the modest capabilities of the bell tower, the participants tried to create an expressive and meaningful bell ringing.
The organizers noted that the competition helps convicts not only to develop creative skills, but also to join church life, strengthen themselves on the path of correction and spiritual transformation.
In the near future, the winners will be rewarded with awards from the Synodal Department for Prison Ministry. The possibility of further expanding participation in the competition for convicts sentenced to non-custodial sentences is also being considered.