On June 2, 2026, the XV solemn ceremony of electing and awarding the laureates of the Patriarchal Literary Prize named after Saints Cyril and Methodius Equal-to-the-Apostles took place in the Hall of Church Cathedrals of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia led the ceremony.
The Patriarchal Literary Prize is awarded annually to authors whose work makes a significant contribution to the development of Russian literature, preserves spiritual and cultural continuity, and addresses the moral foundations of human life, family, and society.
In 2026, more than 50 applications from writers' organizations, dioceses, synodal departments of the Russian Orthodox Church and literary magazines were considered for the award. The short list includes nine nominees. The names of the laureates were determined by secret ballot of the members of the House of Trustees of the Award.
Vasily Ivanovich Aksenov, Nikolai Petrovich Burlyaev and Igor Alexandrovich Smolkin became the winners of the Patriarchal Literary Prize in 2026. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill presented them with certificates, diplomas and award badges. All the nominees also received the Patriarch's Badge "For their Contribution to the development of Russian Literature" and diplomas.
Addressing the participants of the ceremony, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church noted the special responsibility of the writer to the reader. According to His Holiness the Patriarch, the literary word is able to influence the minds and hearts of people, so talent should serve the good, spiritual strengthening of man and love for the Fatherland.
Special attention was paid to the theme of historical memory at the ceremony. One of the nominees, writer Mikhail Kuraev, who survived the siege of Leningrad as a child, spoke about the temples operating in the besieged city and about the spiritual steadfastness of the Leningraders. His Holiness the Patriarch thanked him for his testimony and stressed that the memory of the heroic deed of the inhabitants of besieged Leningrad should be preserved in future generations.
At the end of the ceremony, a musical and poetic production "In the Footsteps of Equal-to-the-Apostles Cyril and Methodius" was held, dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the episcopal consecration of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill.
The Patriarchal Literary Prize was established by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church in 2009. Its purpose is to support writers who create highly artistic works and affirm spiritual and moral values in modern culture.