Representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church joined government officials, academics, religious leaders, and public figures in a discussion on the role of family and traditional moral values in society and national development during a plenary session held at St. Petersburg State University.

The session, titled “Family as a Traditional Spiritual and Moral Value,” took place as part of a strategic forum dedicated to the ideological foundations of unity among the peoples of Russia.

Participants included representatives of federal and regional authorities, members of the academic community, leaders of traditional religious organizations, university faculty, and civil society activists. Opening remarks were delivered by representatives of St. Petersburg State University, the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and religious institutions.

Addressing the gathering, Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, emphasized the importance of preserving traditional values amid what he described as a global crisis of values.

“The Russian Orthodox Church consistently affirms that the development of humanity is impossible without a solid moral foundation and reliance on traditional values,” Metropolitan Anthony said.

According to the senior church official, traditional values do not hinder social progress but instead contribute to the harmonious development of individuals, strengthen moral principles, and help preserve the cultural diversity of nations and peoples.

Other representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate who participated in the event included Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, adviser to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia; Archpriest Sergy Zvonarev, secretary for far-abroad affairs of the Department for External Church Relations; and Priest Nikolai Vasin, secretary to the department’s chairman.

The discussion on family and traditional values continued at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum, where experts examined the relationship between spiritual and moral principles and modern legislation.

Sergey Belov, Dean of the Faculty of Law at St. Petersburg State University, noted that ongoing research is focused on how traditional moral values are reflected in Russian law and legal practice. Speaking specifically about family law, he said existing legislation generally supports the goal of strengthening families, while also leaving room for further development and improvement.

Forum participants also discussed policies aimed at supporting larger families, enhancing the social status of parenthood, improving mechanisms for protecting family interests, and adapting legislation to address contemporary demographic challenges.

Throughout the discussions, participants expressed broad agreement that strengthening the family institution, supporting parents, and preserving spiritual and moral values remain essential conditions for the stable and sustainable development of Russian society.

The forum formed part of a wider national conversation on demographic policy, cultural identity, and the role of traditional values in shaping Russia’s social and legal future.