The regular XIII Congress of the All-Russian Society for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments, dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the organization, was held in Kursk from June 8-9, 2026. Metropolitan Leo of Novgorod and Starorussia participated in the work of the forum remotely.
The anniversary Congress gathered more than 100 delegates from 68 regions of the Russian Federation. The participants summed up the results of the Company's work over the past five years and identified priority areas of activity for the future.
President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin addressed the participants and organizers of the congress with a welcoming speech. In his address, the head of state noted that the organization, established on June 8, 1966, united scientists and artists, restorers, museum staff, journalists, and volunteers around lofty goals and made a great contribution to preserving and recreating unique ancient monuments, masterpieces of urban planning, architecture, and architecture, for which Russia is rightfully famous. Special mention was made of the active role of the VOOPIK in the restoration of estates, monasteries, and temples in the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions affected by the special military operation.
In his speech, Metropolitan Leo emphasized the importance of the anniversary celebrated in the ancient city of Kursk. The bishop noted that this land was irrigated with the blood of the defenders of the Fatherland, and now the innocent blood of the elderly, children and soldiers is being shed on it. Vladyka Leo added that those gathered provide great moral and spiritual support to the residents of Kursk, who are making efforts with hope and prayer to resist the enemy.
Metropolitan Leo also pointed out the role of the All-Russian Monument Protection Society, which united caring people in the difficult years of the 20th century. The bishop recalled that thanks to their efforts, it was possible to preserve shrines — temples and monasteries, as well as literature and culture. As a member of the Society's presidium, Vladyka Leo has repeatedly heard practical recommendations at meetings on how to save monuments, and small towns require special attention, according to the archpastor.
As the ruling bishop of the ancient Novgorod land, Metropolitan Leo spoke about the constant difficulties associated with preserving the "priceless gift of history." His Eminence expressed gratitude to the restorers, art historians, archaeologists and all those who work to preserve the historical sites of Veliky Novgorod.
In conclusion, Metropolitan Leo wished everyone God's help and blessings for their labors and good beginnings. He stressed that Russian culture is fundamental in world culture, and cited as an example the interest of foreign readers in Dostoevsky and Pushkin. The head of the Novgorod Archdiocese also noted the merits of the first wave of emigration, which contributed to the spread of Russian culture abroad. The bishop called on everyone, both those living in the Fatherland and those outside it, to make efforts to preserve Russia's rich historical and cultural heritage. 
The participants of the congress discussed a wide range of issues related to the preservation of historical memory and architectural appearance of Russian cities.