A meeting between students and representatives of traditional religious organizations of Russia “Traditional Faiths and Youth: The Search for New Meanings and Forms of Strengthening and Preserving Traditional Values in Society” was held at South Ural State University. The main topic of the event was the discussion of the spiritual and moral compass, its role in shaping society, and its significance for today’s youth.
The meeting was moderated by the Head of the Department of Foreign Regional Studies, Political Science and Eastern Philosophy of the Faculty of Eurasia and East of Chelyabinsk State University Maksim Smirnov.
Students from the leading Chelyabinsk universities, as well as staff members and representatives of public organizations, were present at the meeting. Along with the offline participants, students, youth activists, and members of the clergy from the cities of Yasinovataya, Kurgan, and Arkhangelsk, as well as representatives of the Republic of Ingushetia, joined the discussion online.
Acting Head of the Department for Interaction with Public Organizations of the Chelyabinsk City Administration Pavel Magey offered a welcome speech:
“I am happy that this discussion has become a good tradition. Every year we improve its quality, and more and more interested participants join the discussion. This demonstrates the high demand for a lively and open dialogue. This format of meetings allows us to hear truthful and verified information firsthand. The participation of representatives from other cities is equally important. The dialogue we are building today is aimed at preserving our spiritual values and fostering the unity of Russia’s youth.”
The SUSU Vice-Rector for Student and Social Affairs Anastasiia Lapo welcomed the audience:
“When we appeal to traditional spiritual and moral values, it becomes clear that they are universal. Concepts such as compassion, justice, honesty, and a strong family resonate in every person’s heart. Our children and students are raised on these values. And it does not matter whether they were born in the Chelyabinsk Region or came from abroad: these values truly unite us. Civil harmony is one of the key national priorities of the Russian Federation. This means that it is within our power to minimize negative manifestations and prevent the escalation of interfaith, interreligious, and intercultural conflicts. I feel confident that the ideas and approaches voiced today will resonate with you, and you will be able to share them with your friends and like-minded people. Together, we will build a common platform and a shared understanding of the meanings that are important to our society.”
Religious leaders of our city attended the meeting with the students: Secretary of the Chelyabinsk Diocese; Father Igor, Archpriest of the Holy Trinity Church; and Chief Mufti of the Regional Muslim Spiritual Administration of the Chelyabinsk and Kurgan Regions Rinat Khadzhi-khazrat Raev. They spoke about preserving the identity of the Russian people based on traditional Russian spiritual and moral values, developing human potential, supporting civil peace, and protecting society from the spread of destructive ideology.
“Today, in my opinion, the most important life goal for the younger generation is finding their place in life. I see that many are experiencing a difficult and sometimes painful search, and I sincerely sympathize with this. I am convinced that a person who is receiving an education and striving for development should not rest on their laurels. May God grant everyone the opportunity to find a career in which they can fulfil themselves: this is perhaps the most important thing. After all, it is first and foremost important when you feel needed by your own self,” noted Father Igor.
The event has been held regularly since 2023 for students as a dialogue between representatives of traditional faiths and young people.