The "Unity" interregional forum "Tourism — Pilgrimage — Youth", dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the Golden Ring tourist route, began its work in Rostov-on-Don on September 16, 2026.
The event was organized by the Government of the Yaroslavl Region and the Commission of the Russian Orthodox Church for the Development of Pilgrimage and the Sacrifice of Shrines. The forum was opened by Mikhail Evraev, Governor of the Yaroslavl Region, and Vadim, Metropolitan of Yaroslavl and Rostov.
The central event of the first day was the plenary session "The Golden Ring: the Unity of Traditions and Innovations." Metropolitan Matthew of Pskov and Porkhov, Chairman of the Commission for the Development of Pilgrimage and the Sacrifice of Shrines, made a presentation on the importance of pilgrimage for the socio-economic development of the territories.
"The "Unity" Forum is a platform where we can work out solutions together that will help us develop our territories while preserving their spiritual heritage. I urge you to engage in an open dialogue," Bishop Matthew addressed the participants of the event.
Archbishop Savva of Zelenograd, Chairman of the Synodal Missionary Department and Deputy Administrator of the Moscow Patriarchate, dedicated his speech to the preservation of traditional values and missionary service on the routes of the Golden Ring.
During the plenary session, representatives of government authorities, the Russian Orthodox Church, the tourism industry, business and educational organizations discussed the development of pilgrimage and tourism, the preservation of historical and cultural heritage, the improvement of infrastructure and the training of specialists in the hospitality sector.
The forum continued with panel discussions on the inclusion of religious sites in tourist routes, the creation of routes associated with the names of Russian saints, as well as the prospects for the development of Rostov the Great.