On February 4, 2026, Archbishop Savva of Zelenograd, Chairman of the Synodal Missionary Department, took part in the international scientific and practical conference "Spiritual Sovereignty and Traditional Values - the Basis of Russian Statehood and Identity", which was held at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration in Moscow.
Vladyka Savva made a presentation on "The Orthodox Historical and Cultural foundations of Russia's Civilizational Identity."
In his speech, the bishop noted that the formation of Russia as a civilization is inextricably linked with the Baptism of Rus by Prince Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles. The adoption of the Christian faith gave the people spiritual unity, which later formed a unified language and literature, culture and law, and eventually statehood.
Archbishop Savva called St. Sergius of Radonezh a key figure in uniting the Russian people. Vladyka recalled a quote traditionally attributed to the saint: "Looking to the unity of the Holy Trinity, to overcome the hateful discord of this world." Although this expression took shape at the end of the 19th century, according to Archbishop Savva, it accurately conveys the theological confession and the church-political position of St. Sergius.
Archbishop Savva emphasized that this principle had found a vivid historical embodiment, including in the events of the Battle of Kulikovo, for which St. Sergius blessed the Russian army.
The Chairman of the Synodal Missionary Department noted that following the principle of St. Sergius of Radonezh contributed to the further unification of the Russian state, while its violation invariably led to internal conflicts and divisions.
At the end of his speech, the bishop emphasized that the true unity of the peoples of the Fatherland presupposes the preservation of diversity while resisting attempts to sow internal discord. To do this, according to His Eminence, it is necessary to clearly realize, consistently affirm and put into practice the understanding that Russian Orthodoxy and the principle of St. Sergius of Radonezh underlie the existence of a unified and multifaceted Russian civilization.