The Eurasian Forum of Orthodox Youth "Heaven. Man. Steppe" has concluded.

On August 2, 2026, the Eurasian Orthodox Youth Forum "Heaven. Man. Steppe," organized with the blessing of His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus', concluded.

Over 500 people participated in the congress, which was held in the village of Koldi in the Almaty region. These included delegates from all dioceses of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District, leaders and members of diocesan and parish youth organizations responsible for organizing youth and educational work, experts on social, religious, and social issues, and guests from Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

The forum was organized by the Youth Affairs Commission of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District and the Orthodox Youth Movement of the Almaty Diocese, with the support of the Eleos-Meirim Public Foundation (President: V.M. Kapsamun).

Over the course of four days, teams participated in religious quizzes, master classes, vocal and instrumental competitions, sports competitions, discussions on issues relevant to the younger generation, and listened to lectures by renowned preachers. Thanks to the close-knit efforts of the clergy and teachers, the well-thought-out program, and the forum's unique Christian atmosphere, the teenagers were able to have a fun and engaging time while simultaneously gaining a firm grasp of the traditional spiritual and moral values ​​of Orthodoxy.

During the congress, youth meetings were organized with the following speakers:

• Priest Pavel Ostrovsky, rector of St. George's Church in Nakhabino, Moscow Region, author of numerous educational projects, missionary, and Orthodox blogger, presented "The Digital Challenge: Artificial Intelligence in the Modern World";
• Bishop Gennady of Kaskelen, Administrator of the Metropolitan District, presented "Challenges of Youth Churching";
• Priest David Bobrov, deputy head of the missionary (educational) department of the Minsk Diocese and blogger, said, "Man is free to choose goodness."
• Deacon Yevgeny Yesaulenko, an employee of the Synodal Department for Youth Affairs, said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

On August 1, the feast day of St. Seraphim of Sarov, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan celebrated the Liturgy in the mobile church of the tent city. Forum participants prayed during the service and received Holy Communion.

On August 2, with the blessing of the Head of the Metropolitan District, Bishop Ignatius of Aktobe and Kyzylorda, Chairman of the Youth Affairs Commission of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, celebrated the Sunday Liturgy.

The closing ceremony of the congress took place that same day, during which the winners of the sports and intellectual competitions were awarded valuable prizes. Bishop Ignatius addressed the forum participants with an archpastoral sermon, in which he noted the importance and relevance of youth ministry for the Church. The hierarch thanked his deputy, Priest Georgy Rublinsky, the guests, and everyone who participated in organizing and hosting the event. The archpastor expressed special gratitude to the leadership of the ELEOS-MEIRIM public foundation for their active participation and assistance in holding this large-scale youth gathering.

In their response, the young people thanked Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, Bishop Ignatius, and the conference organizers, and shared their impressions. According to the delegates, everyone who participated in the forum felt like a large Christian family, and a warm, friendly atmosphere permeated the conference.

A concert concluded the youth festival.