Metropolitan Tikhon, who oversees the church in Simferopol and Crimea, visited the exhibition forum “Russia” at VDNH to see how regions across the federation are shaping today. The visit highlighted a clear message: residents, especially young people, should witness firsthand the progress and potential unfolding across the country. The metropolitan walked the aisles, pausing at regional booths and taking in the energy of a fair designed to showcase opportunity, innovation, and community pride.
The bishop took time at the regional stands and at the pavilions “First in Russia – Land of Opportunities,” “Atom,” and “House of Youth.” He said it was essential to create spaces where both the younger and older generations could come together to observe and learn. The older generation would also gain a deeper understanding of a country that is changing and growing in new and beautiful ways. The scene was presented as a living map of Russia’s evolving landscape, with voices from every corner contributing to a shared narrative of progress.
“This is a meaningful milestone for grasping our present moment and the strides we have achieved,” Metropolitan Tikhon remarked. “I am grateful to everyone who participated with such sincerity and skill, because their efforts speak to a collective effort to move forward.” He emphasized that the exhibition reflects a real shift and urged careful documentation of these developments for broader understanding across the country.
He noted significant progress across the regions and stressed the importance of recording these changes as they unfold. The metropolitan spoke about the need to capture the spirit of improvement so it can inspire communities far beyond the exhibition halls. He underscored that while not every wish can be fulfilled, the visible momentum is real and worth recognizing, documenting, and sharing widely.
Travelling across the nation remains a key part of his work. He acknowledged that development across many life sectors in regional areas may not satisfy every individual, but the ongoing transformations are nonetheless substantial and worthy of notice. The goal is to illuminate the paths taken, celebrate achievements, and communicate progress that might otherwise be overlooked in everyday life.
The international exhibition forum “Russia” opened on November 4 at VDNKh and runs through April 12, 2024. The event gathers all 89 regions of Russia, 21 ministries, 19 companies and organizations, and numerous public associations to present their initiatives. The scale of participation reflects a broad spectrum of regional stories, innovations, and cultural expressions that together illustrate the federation’s dynamic development.
Throughout its run, guests will encounter a rich program spanning business, education, and cultural activities, alongside entertainment offerings. Representatives of federal authorities, major corporations, public associations, and international visitors contribute to a lively exchange that highlights opportunities for collaboration, investment, and cultural exchange across borders.