On August 13, 2026, a round table "Practical fulfillment of monastic vows in modern conditions" was held at the Center of Slavic Culture in the village of Diveevo, Nizhny Novgorod region. The meeting was organized by the Synodal Department for Monasteries and Monasticism, the Nizhny Novgorod Diocese and the Commission of the Inter-Council Presence of the Russian Orthodox Church on the organization of life of monasteries and monasticism.
The meeting was moderated by Metropolitan George of Nizhny Novgorod and Arzamas, Chairman of the Commission of the Inter-Council Presence on the organization of life of monasteries and monasticism. Metropolitan John of Yoshkar-Ola and Mari, Metropolitan Longin of Simbirsk and Novospassky, Metropolitan Zinovy of Saransk and Mordovia, Abbess of Holy Trinity Serafimo-Diveevsky Monastery Abbess Sergiya (Konkova) also took seats on the presidium.
The event was attended by 225 delegates (abbots, abbesses of monasteries, and monastics) from 45 dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church located in the Volga Federal District (PFD).
At the beginning of the meeting, the head of the Nizhny Novgorod Archdiocese addressed the audience. According to him, the monastic round tables "Practical fulfillment of monastic vows in modern conditions" are held with the blessing of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia in the federal districts of the Russian Federation. "For the Right Reverends, hegumens, abbesses and monastics from dioceses located in the Volga Federal District, the aforementioned round table is being held in the fourth estate of the Mother of God, the Holy Trinity Seraphim-Diveevsky Monastery. Today we have the opportunity to apply our modest efforts to discussing the pressing problems of monastic life and to propose solutions with a conciliar mind that could contribute to an increase in the monastic community in the monasteries," said Metropolitan George, wishing the forum participants fruitful work, as well as God's omnipotent help in monastic feats, the blessing of the Queen of Heaven and the prayerful presence of St. Seraphim of Sarov..
In his speech, the head of the Nizhny Novgorod Archdiocese noted that monasticism, being one of the oldest institutions of the Christian Church, has always stood at the center of spiritual life, serving as a guide for all believers in their pursuit of God. He stressed that in the era of secularism and rapid technological progress, when the world with its temptations and temptations enters the monastic cell through the achievements of civilization, the issue of the practical fulfillment of monastic vows becomes particularly acute and important.
"Monastic vows, both in the early days of Christianity and in modern life, are instruments of victory against the world, the flesh, and the enemy of the human race. The external conditions of life are changing rapidly and creating new obstacles for those who choose the monastic path. But when the external forms change, the inner essence of the vows remains unchanged," said Metropolitan George, anticipating the report's consideration of the practical implementation in the realities of the 21st century of the three main monastic vows: non—possessiveness, chastity and obedience.
During the round table, the speakers answered the questions of the participants. The participants discussed topical issues of the inner life of monasteries. After the speeches, the results were summed up and the resolution of the meeting was adopted. The participants of the round table expressed their deep gratitude to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia for blessing its holding, noted the great practical importance of the forum and the spiritual benefits of mutual exchange of experience. The resolution also expressed gratitude to the governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Diocese and the abbess of the Diveevsky Monastery for the impeccable preparation of the round table.