On September 26-27, 2026, the first Orthodox student forum "House Temples of Universities — a Common Cause" was held at Voronezh State Agrarian University named after Emperor Peter I. It brought together clergy, teachers, students, and representatives of Orthodox youth organizations.
The plenary session was chaired by Metropolitan Leonty of Voronezh and Liski. In his welcoming speech, the archpastor noted that university churches help students find spiritual support, join church life and works of charity. At the same time, the absence of a church should not hinder educational work: students and teachers can form Orthodox communities, meet with a priest, and participate in volunteer initiatives.
Abbot John (Rubin), Deputy Chairman of the Synodal Department of Religious Education and Catechesis, read out the greetings of Metropolitan Evgeny of Yekaterinburg and Verkhoturye, Chairman of the department, and presented the experience of the Church's cooperation with higher education institutions.
At the meetings, the participants discussed the activities of house churches, the spiritual and moral education of young people, the interaction of clergy with the university community and student social projects. Special attention was paid to educational events dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the Russian Synodal Bible translation. Representatives of Kursk State Agrarian University and Kuban State University, who connected remotely, also shared their work experience.
Following the discussions, a resolution was adopted that will be sent to the Council for Cooperation of the Russian Orthodox Church with Organizations of Higher and Secondary Vocational education in the field of spiritual and moral education.
On September 27, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, Metropolitan Leonty celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Cross Cathedral of the University.
The forum was organized by the leadership of the All-Russian State Agrarian University with the support of the profile department of the Voronezh Diocese and the interregional educational public organization "Association of Orthodox Scientists".