On June 30, 2026, an interdepartmental meeting was held at the Government House of Karelia to prepare for the meeting of the organizing committee for the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the baptism of Karelians. The meeting was chaired by O.S. Koroleva, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, Tourism and National Policy. Representatives of federal ministries and departments, the Government of the Republic of Karelia and the Russian Orthodox Church took part in the discussion.
The main focus was on the implementation of the main and additional plans for the anniversary. Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Karelia for Social Affairs L.A. Podsadnik noted that all activities are carried out in accordance with the approved schedule, and the additional plan is adjusted to take into account new initiatives of federal authorities, public organizations and the church community.
Metropolitan Konstantin of Petrozavodsk and Karelia spoke about the implementation of diocesan projects dedicated to the anniversary. According to him, preparations for the memorable date have already become part of the church life of the region. Recently, new and restored churches have been consecrated, medieval relics have been transferred to the National Museum of Karelia, a jubilee medal has been established with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, construction of the Kazan Church in Petrozavodsk continues, and the fundamental work "Orthodoxy in Karelia" and a commemorative postage stamp are being prepared for publication. Work continues on the preservation of Karelian wooden temples, scientific and exhibition projects are being implemented. All diocesan initiatives are carried out solely through voluntary donations and church funds.
His Eminence also proposed to supplement the 2027 celebration program with a number of events, including a solemn procession on June 3 through the central streets of Petrozavodsk to the venue of the main festive events. According to the metropolitan, this procession should become a symbol of spiritual unity and continuity of the eight-century-old Orthodox tradition of Karelia.
The meeting participants paid special attention to the development of pilgrimage and cultural tourism. The inclusion of Karelia in the federal project "The Great Russian Northern Way", which will unite the most important spiritual and historical centers of the region, was discussed. The issues of preparing a program for the celebrations in 2027, inviting foreign guests, including representatives of Local Orthodox Churches and countries of the Finno-Ugric world, were also discussed.
The meeting ended with a discussion of the anniversary media plan. It provides for extensive information support for the celebration on federal TV channels, in print and online media, the creation of a specialized Internet portal and active work on social networks.
The meeting participants noted the high level of cooperation between federal authorities, the Government of the Republic of Karelia, the Russian Orthodox Church and public organizations. All the suggestions made during the discussion will be taken into account during the preparation of the meeting of the organizing committee and the final program for the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the baptism of the Karelians.