On July 16, 2026, the opening of the Dostoevsky Days in Optina Pustyn spiritual and educational project took place, organized with the support of the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives.
The event was attended by: the initiator and organizer of this project, Metropolitan Kliment of Kaluga and Borovsk, Chairman of the Publishing Council of the Russian Orthodox Church; Bishop Joseph of Mozhaisk, Vicar of the Optina Monastery in Vvedenskoye; Bishop Makary of Kozelsky and Ludinovsky, Deputy Chairman of the Publishing Council; Anna Kuznetsova, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation; Vladislav Shapsha, Governor of the Kaluga Region; representatives of the clergy, government agencies and the cultural community. In total, more than a hundred people attended the event.
After a joint prayer, Bishop Joseph of Mozhaisk emphasized that the project, which is taking place for the fifth time, is designed not only to honor the memory of the writer, but also to promote a joint search for answers to pressing issues facing modern society and the country.
Metropolitan Kliment spoke about how Fyodor Dostoevsky's work helps people and, above all, young people to come to God: "Our task is to draw the attention of young people to the saving meanings that Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky, among others, acquired when visiting Optina Deserts. The images that he created in several novels represent a kind of moral ideal that he himself was looking for and which he considered important to convey to his reader. He sought to find God and became a guide to the Orthodox faith for many. Even today, many people come to God through his works."
Speaking on behalf of the State Duma and the United Russia Commission for the protection of the family, Anna Kuznetsova emphasized the unifying power of the project: "Such meetings unite people around eternal values — love, compassion and responsibility. Dostoevsky's path through personal tragedies to understanding the meaning of life is an important example for us."
Governor Vladislav Shapsha noted that in five years the local initiative has grown into a large-scale All-Russian project: "We live in an era of high speeds and artificial intelligence, but we are still returning to Dostoevsky. His heroes are us when we are faced with a choice. Optina Pustyn has become a place of solace and strength for the writer, and today we, like him, are looking for support and self-understanding here."
An event dedicated to the writer's contribution to world culture was held on the Path of Repentance at the monument to Fyodor Dostoevsky. The meeting participants discussed the spiritual quest of the classic and the enduring significance of his works.
Bishop Macarius of Kozel and Ludin presented a facsimile edition of the Gospel, which belonged to Fyodor Mikhailovich. The creative part of the program was complemented by People's Artist of Russia Sergey Migitsko, who read poetry about the writer.
Dostoevsky Days are held from July 16 to July 19 in Kaluga, Kozelsky municipal district and Borovsk. The organizers have prepared a rich program for everyone. Details and schedule of events are available on the official website: https://dostoevsky.optina.ru . Admission to all events is free.