July 30, 2026 – Koldy, Almaty Region. The Eurasian Orthodox Youth Forum “Sky. Man. Steppe.”, organized with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, officially opened on the grounds of the Church of the Holy Royal Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth.
The central theme of this year’s forum is “Modern Technologies and Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities for Humanity and Society in the Light of the Christian Worldview.”
More than 500 participants are taking part in the forum, including delegates from every diocese of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, leaders and members of diocesan and parish youth organizations, those responsible for youth and educational ministry, specialists in social, religious, and public affairs, as well as guests from Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
The gathering has been organized by the Commission for Youth Affairs of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District and the Orthodox Youth Movement of the Diocese of Alma-Ata, with the support of the Eleos-Meirim Public Foundation (President – V.M. Kapsamun).
The forum’s speakers include Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan and permanent member of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church; Bishop Gennady of Kaskelen, Chancellor of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District; Hieromonk Filaret (Zubov), Acting Chairman of the Synodal Department for Youth Affairs of the Russian Orthodox Church; Priest Pavel Ostrovsky, rector of St. George Church in Nakhabino, Moscow Region, missionary, Orthodox blogger, and author of numerous educational projects; Priest David Bobrov, Deputy Head of the Missionary (Educational) Department of the Diocese of Minsk and Orthodox blogger; Deacon Evgeny Yesaulenko, staff member of the Synodal Department for Youth Affairs; and Orthodox blogger Matvey Dorofeyev.
The principal aims of the forum are to strengthen spiritual bonds among Orthodox young people from different countries; promote youth ministry throughout the dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church; facilitate the exchange of experience in youth initiatives; encourage the spiritual and moral formation of young people; cultivate an active Christian way of life grounded in Gospel values; discuss the pressing challenges facing contemporary society; reflect upon the influence of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, on the individual, society, and spiritual life; and foster interdiocesan and international cooperation in youth ministry.
The forum opened with a moleben before the beginning of every good work, celebrated by the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan. The ceremony also included the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Among those participating in the official opening were O.N. Ovchinnikov, Secretary of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, Honored Figure of Kazakhstan and Honored Artist of the Russian Federation; Priest Dimitry Bovkunovich, Chairman of the Synodal Department for Youth Affairs of the Belarusian Orthodox Church; Archpriest Sergiy Shastin, Deputy Chairman of the Synodal Department for Youth Affairs; and V.M. Kapsamun, President of the Eleos-Meirim Public Foundation.
Metropolitan Alexander addressed the organizers and participants of the forum.
Speaking in particular about the forum’s central theme, the hierarch said:
“One of the principal themes of our forum is the role of artificial intelligence in personal and public life. Humanity is rapidly embracing digital technologies, and the Church has a responsibility to reflect upon these developments in the light of the Gospel. Technological achievements are the fruit of God’s gift to humanity and the unfolding of the creative talents He has bestowed upon us. In themselves they are morally neutral. They may serve either good or evil. A surgeon’s knife can save a person’s life, while the same knife in the hands of a criminal may become an instrument of destruction. Likewise, modern information technologies can make life easier, yet they can also become tools of abuse, theft, or even destruction when placed in criminal hands. I would encourage you to value the experience of genuine, personal encounters rather than living only in a virtual world. Never allow the screen of a smartphone to become so dominant that it prevents you from seeing the beauty of the world around you and the people beside you.”
Metropolitan Alexander invoked God’s blessing upon the work of the forum and wished all participants fruitful discussions and success in their good works and noble endeavors.
Words of greeting and encouragement were also offered by Hieromonk Filaret (Zubov), Acting Chairman of the Synodal Department for Youth Affairs.
The participants were further addressed by Bishop Ignatiy of Aktobe and Kyzylorda, Chairman of the Commission for Youth Affairs of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, and Bishop Gennady of Kaskelen, Chancellor of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District.
Priest Dimitry Bovkunovich, Chairman of the Synodal Department for Youth Affairs of the Belarusian Orthodox Church, read a greeting from Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus.
A greeting was also sent to the delegates by V.M. Kapsamun, President of the Eleos-Meirim Public Foundation.
Following the opening addresses, Hieromonk Filaret (Zubov) presented awards and commemorative gifts on behalf of the Synodal Department to leaders of Kazakhstan’s Orthodox youth movement.
Priest Georgy Rublinsky thanked the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan and the guest speakers before presenting the forum’s program to the participants.
The opening session concluded with presentations by each of the participating delegations.
The forum will continue through August 3. The program includes meetings with the hierarchs of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, discussions with clergy known for their educational initiatives, lectures on spiritual and educational topics, panel discussions addressing issues relevant to young people, intellectual competitions, quests, workshops, sporting events, and board games.
A field chapel has been established within the camp, where delegates will gather daily for the appointed cycle of prayers.
Near the church stand flagpoles bearing the Flag of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the national flags of the countries represented at the forum, and the flag of the Eleos-Meirim Public Foundation, the principal benefactor of the Eurasian Orthodox Youth Forum.
On August 1, the feast of St. Seraphim of Sarov, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the forum camp.
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