Important decisions were made during the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, which convened yesterday, October 30, under the chairmanship of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow at the Patriarchal and Synodal Residence in the Danilov Monastery, Moscow.
Legoyda reported that the Synod heard Patriarch Kirill’s account of his recent primatial visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan.
He added that the Synod also emphasized the continued active participation of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, as well as in the Secretariat and Working Group of the Congress. The goal, he noted, is to strengthen interreligious relations, mutual understanding, and friendship among peoples and faiths.
The Synod also reviewed the Patriarch’s recent visits to dioceses within Russia, including the Kolomna and Rostov dioceses.
Among the key administrative topics discussed was the organization and governance of synodal institutions.
The Synod also appointed new leadership within the Church’s educational structures. It was decided to release Archpriest Alexander Troitsky from his position as Deputy Chairman of the Church’s Educational Committee, and to appoint Igumen Dionysius (Shlyonov) in his place.
Additionally, the Synod reviewed reports from Bishop Siluan of Peterhof, Chairman of the Synodal Commission on Bioethics, and Metropolitan Matthew of Pskov and Porkhov, Chairman of the Commission on Pilgrimage and the Bringing of Relics, approving the updated compositions of both commissions.
Legoyda also announced that the Synod approved the journals of the Belarusian Exarchate Synod (October 17, 2025) and the Central Asian Metropolis Synod (September 3, 2025).
Among other resolutions, the Synod established:
A feast day for the Synaxis of the Venerable Fathers — Founders of Monasticism and All Saints Who Shone Forth in the Land of Egypt;
The addition of new saints to the Orlov and Voronezh Metropolises;
- A special day of prayer for the enlightenment of those intending to commit abortion;
- The approval of a new service text for the healing of children with severe illnesses and for their parents;
- And several other liturgical and administrative measures.
Legoyda emphasized one particularly significant decision: “The Holy Synod underscored the importance of reviving the tradition of the annual All-Moscow Cross Procession, reaffirming its role as a powerful symbol of faith and unity for the Orthodox faithful,”
he said.
The session concluded with a series of personnel appointments and organizational updates, furthering the Church’s efforts to strengthen its spiritual, educational, and social mission across the Orthodox world.
