XIII Pimen Readings “Traditions and Innovations: Culture, Society, Personality” opened at Saratov State University on December, 11. The interdisciplinary humanities forum is organized by Saratov archdiocese, Saratov Region Government, Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary, Saratov State University, Saratov Sobinov's Conservatoire, orthodox gymnasium.
At the plenary session, Vice-governor of Saratov Regiona D.V. Fadeev read the testimonial of V.V. Radaev. The Governor highlighted the importance of the Pimen Readings as a platform for cooperation of the church and higher education institutions in education, patriotic upbringing and science. V.V. Radaev said the Readings have become a significant forum of All-Russia level.
Chir of the Committee on culture, public relations, sport, youth and information policy A.V. Losina thanked the participants from the Duma deputies. She reminded that the Readings gathered together scientists, representatives of arts and culture and spiritual leaders. Scientific community and church unite their forces in spiritual reformation of the society.
Metropolitan of Saratov and Volsk Longin highlighted the significance of the Readings’ topic this year saying that tradition is very important for the development of society. He reminded of some social experiments our country had gone through in the XX century that had a catastrophic influence. In his opinion, following traditions does not mean being concervative; it means going back to the roots that help social stability. He was happy about the Pimen Readings growth where humanities research is carried together with the Russian Orthodox Church.
In his opening speech, SSU Rector A.N. Chumachenko said the Readings were traditionally dedicated to the most important university task – educating young people. The forum gathered about three hundred participants. A.N. Chumachenko talked about the meaning of spiritual education, highlighted the importance of teaching and said a teacher should not only give knowledge but promote responsibility and moral values.
In his report “Personal Dimensions of the Traditional World”, Bishop Pokrovsky and Nikolaevsky Pakhomiy addressed the ideas of freedom, personality and spirituality and their history in Russian cultural life and public conscience.
First deputy chair of Russian Orthodox Church educational committee, Professor of Moscow Spiritual Academy Maksim Kozlov presented his report “Traditions and Innovation in Modern Search for Happiness”. He spoke on the meaning of happiness in religious context. According to him, happiness means keeping the commandments in a dangerous world full of temptations.
Acting Head of Saratov Administration for public and international relations, host of “Talks with Arch-priest” TV program Yu. M. Litnevskaia talked about the role of a word in public space. She criticized anticlerical public speeches and orchestrated political provocations against church.
Saratov State University Professor, Doctor of Philosophy V.G. Kosykhin talked in detail about the impact of St. Dionysius Areopagit’s theology on West European aesthetics, especially on catholic scholastic divinity.
Member of the International Journalist Union, author and host of “Who are we?” TV program F.V. Razumovsky presented his report “Russian Identity: Gifts and Temptations”. Looking at key moment of Russian history he demonstrated the dynamics of Russian sense of the world. He offered his understanding of ‘Russian world’ category comparing it to universality and world generosity. “Russian civilization is different from others in the world because it is a religious one”, said F.V. Razumovsky.
“Young Saratov” project coordinator Yu.V. Ushakov presented his report “Church, State and the Young in the Changing World”. He addressed the topical issues of young people’s education and risks. He talked about finding a common language to talk to young people.
Senior teacher of Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary archpriest Vladimir Parkhomenko spoke about the importance of orthodox anthropology in the modern world.
The Pimen Readings continue its work on December, 12.
