On August 25, 2026, His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, met with Anna Kuznetsova, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, at the Patriarchal and Synodal Residence in the Danilov Monastery.
The main topics of the meeting were the protection of the family, motherhood and childhood, the strengthening of traditional spiritual and moral values, as well as the support of citizens in difficult situations.
Anna Kuznetsova spoke about the activities of the inter-factional working group established in the State Duma to implement Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 809. She noted that with the support of the Russian Orthodox Church, laws were passed aimed at protecting traditional values, supporting large, young and student families, as well as expanding social assistance measures for citizens.
Special attention was paid to the work of church crisis centers. The Vice Speaker of the State Duma shared her impressions of visiting such a center in Balashov, Saratov region. Children and families receive assistance here, temporary shelter, legal and psychological consultations are provided. According to Anna Kuznetsova, the most important component of this activity remains human participation and a warm attitude towards people who find themselves in a difficult situation.
The meeting also discussed the introduction of the extracurricular course "My Family" in Russian schools, assistance to participants in a special military operation and their loved ones, the spiritual and educational campaign "Dmitry Donskoy — Shield of Russia" and the preparation of the VI International Festival of Martial Arts and Martial Arts "Cup of St. Nicholas of Japan".
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill stressed the exceptional importance of family, motherhood, childhood and youth education for the future of the country. According to the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, a strong family is able to protect a person from many rash and morally dangerous actions.
"The Church will continue to preach high morality, protect the family, legitimate marriage, and take care of the upbringing of children and youth," His Holiness the Patriarch noted.
The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church also confirmed his readiness to continue cooperation with lawmakers on strengthening the moral and spiritual life of a person, family, society and the state.
The meeting was attended by Vladimir Legoyda, Chairman of the Synodal Department for Church-Society Relations and the Media, Abbess Xenia (Chernega), Head of the Legal Department of the Moscow Patriarchate, Mikhail Ivanov, Deputy Chairman of the World Russian People's Council, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the All-Russian Public Movement Orthodox Russia.