On November 4, 2024, to celebrate National Unity Day, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ participated in a special ceremony at the monument to Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky on Red Square. They then visited the 20th annual church and public exhibition-forum, “Orthodox Rus’ – for National Unity,” held at the Manezh Central Exhibition Hall in Moscow.
Accompanied by Metropolitan Tikhon of Simferopol and Crimea, head of the Patriarchal Council for Culture, President Putin and Patriarch Kirill explored the exhibit on Orthodox social service.
A notable feature of the exhibition was an icon created specifically for the event, portraying the holy martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna. This icon, painted in the academic style of the late 19th to early 20th centuries, was consecrated in honor of the 160th anniversary of her birth.
President Putin also visited the multimedia exhibit “Hurry to Do Good,” which illustrates the traditions of volunteering and charity in Russia throughout history. This exhibit showcases individuals who have demonstrated the importance of compassion and mutual aid, presenting a diverse collection of stories from the lives of Russian saints, statesmen, public figures, military personnel, and cultural icons, as detailed on the President of Russia’s website.
Translated from Russian by: Konstantinos Menyktas