Representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, Russian compatriot organizations and Russian authorities gathered in Yerevan to discuss efforts to preserve the Russian language, culture and historical memory among Russian-speaking communities in Europe.

The roundtable, titled “The Russian Orthodox Church and Compatriots: Experience of Cooperation in European Countries,” was held on September 3–4 at the Moscow House in Yerevan. The event marked the 14th meeting of its kind, according to the website of the Russian Orthodox Church’s Department for External Church Relations.

The gathering brought together Orthodox hierarchs and clergy from European countries, representatives of Russian compatriot organizations, Russian diplomats and officials from the Moscow government.

Opening the forum, Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, conveyed the blessing of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. He said such meetings provide an opportunity for representatives of parishes in different countries to exchange experience and address common challenges.

A central topic of the discussions was the role of Orthodox parishes in the lives of Russian-speaking communities abroad. Georgy Yakovlev, head of the Moscow government’s department responsible for relations with Russian compatriots overseas, said Russian Orthodox parishes serve not only as places of worship but also as spiritual, cultural and social centers.

Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopyrkin emphasized the importance of cooperation in preserving the Russian language, culture and traditional spiritual values. He also noted the significance of holding the forum in Armenia, a country with a centuries-old Christian tradition.

Participants discussed ways to preserve historical memory and cultural identity, as well as practical cooperation between Orthodox parishes and Russian compatriot organizations in various European countries.

Metropolitan Anthony called on overseas parishes to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and avoid bringing political disagreements into church life. He identified spiritual support for Russian compatriots, pastoral care and the development of mutual assistance within communities as among the Church’s key priorities.

At the conclusion of the two-day meeting, participants stressed the need to strengthen ties between Russian Orthodox parishes abroad and Russian compatriot organizations. The proposals discussed at the forum are expected to inform the social, educational and pastoral work of church institutions serving communities in Europe.