On December 15, Saratov State University hosted a plenary session of the 21st Interregional Educational Pimenov Readings. This year's topic is Orthodoxy and Russian Culture: The Losses and Achievements of the Past, the Image of the Future.
The participants were representatives of government authorities, clergy, university community, and parishioners. The event is held annually as part of the days of memory of Archbishop Pimen (Khmelevskii).
Before the meeting, the participants of the readings attended the presentation of a memorial project dedicated to Emperor Nicholas II and his family. The results of the project will be announced in the coming jubilee year, when Saratov University turns 115 years old. Then the guests visited the exhibition The Spiritual and Moral Culture of Russia in Pictorial Images and Theological Reflection. The participants got acquainted with the thematic materials devoted to the Russian civilization, covering its main historical stages.
The materials presented in the exhibition have educational and educational significance, designed to help teachers and students in the study of humanities, primarily the foundations of Russian statehood. The project was prepared by the Faculty of Philosophy, SSU, with the support of the Government of Saratov Region.
At the plenary session, Metropolitan Ignatius of Saratov and Volsky noted that the Pimen educational readings in 2023 are special because they are associated with the centenary of the birth of Vladyka Pimen and the thirtieth anniversary of his death. ‘It is probably no coincidence that the theme of the current 21st Pimen Readings so resonates with these events. What will our tomorrow be like? It depends on how we treat our yesterday today. Will we keep all the valuable and priceless things that were created by our predecessors, our teachers and mentors? Will we learn their lessons, will we continue their work and tradition?’
SSU Rector Alexei Chumachenko addressed those present at the meeting. ‘The correctness of the chosen path, the content and relevance of any conference are determined by the duration of its existence. Our readings have been taking place for more than two decades, and for more than two decades we have been gathering to discuss issues of education, upbringing, and humanitarian culture.’
Alexei Chumachenko traced the relationship of the reading topics with the Year of Teachers and Mentors, because it is the teacher's work that largely determines the upbringing and preservation of moral and cultural values among the younger generation. Special attention is paid to this educational aspect at the university, teachers broadcast cultural and value orientations to students and schoolchildren of the region.
‘The topic of this year's readings is determined by the conditions in which Russia finds itself today, it is directly related to Russian culture, it seems not only important, but also lively and creative. It involves understanding and searching for iconic concepts in the history of our culture, awareness of the experience of the past, its actualization in the present and future. We need to take from the past the fundamental essence that defines the history of our country and our people – spirituality, love for one's neighbour, mercy, patriotism,’ Alexei Chumachenko noted.
The congratulatory address of the Governor of the region Roman Busargin was read out by Deputy Prime Minister of Saratov Region – Minister of Education of Saratov Region Mikhail Orlov. ‘Traditionally, the readings discuss the most important issues of the humanitarian sphere, the moral development of our society, and the younger generation. The topic of today's Pimenov readings is of great importance for the distinctive national culture that unites the national diversity of our vast country. Culture cannot be outside the spiritual values that are embedded in the Orthodox faith. The task of Orthodoxy is to help our children form the right guidelines, instill respect for family values, and love for their Homeland.’
According to Mayor Lada Mokrousova, such meetings contribute to strengthening the interaction of the church and society in all spheres of life. Thus, joint work is being built in areas relevant to residents of the city and the region.
As part of the readings, Professor of the Department of Biblical and Theological Disciplines of the General Church Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies named after Saints Cyril and Methodius Vladimir Katasonov presented the report The Russian Logos: Eternal.
Professor, Chair of the Department of Philosophy of Culture and Cultural Studies, SSU, Evgenia Listvina made a report Culture and Tradition: Issues of Interaction in the Digital Age.
Chair of the Department for the Study and Publication of documents of the State Archive of the Russian Federation Modest Kolerov introduced the meeting participants to Russian political philosophy during the years of emigration (1917-1991).
Rector of the Church of Saints Methodius and Cyril at the SSU, Archpriest Kirill Krasnoshchyokov, made a presentation on Soviet Civil Riualism as an Element of Persecution of the Russian Orthodox Church.
The cleric of the Church of the Nativity in Saratov, Priest Maxim Plyakin and member of the Commission for the canonisation of ascetics of piety of the Saratov Diocese Valerii Teplov presented a report Church- and State Relations in Saratov Region according to the documents of Archbishop Pimen (Khmelevskii).
The memorial days of Archbishop Pimen (Khmelevskii) of Saratov and Volsky were held in Saratov from December 8 to December 16. As part of the reading program, round tables were held, a pedagogical forum "School education and traditional spiritual culture: pedagogical experience of the present, continuity and image of the future", a research-to-practice conference Orthodox Discourse in the Context of Social Issues: Cultural and Spiritual Choice of a Person, a concert of the Saratov Philharmonic Choral Music Theatre and the Bishops' Men's Choir of the Saratov Metropolis, and other events.
