Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia announced a move to petition President Vladimir Putin, seeking to keep the subject Foundations of the Spiritual and Moral Culture of the Peoples of Russia on the school curriculum despite a decision from the education ministry. This declaration was made during an extraordinary congress of the World Russian People’s Council (VRNS). The Patriarch underscored that the matter touches more than a single policy choice; it concerns the cultural and moral framework that shapes generations. He stressed the importance of safeguarding the continuity of this subject and of coordinating efforts so that the current challenges do not derail long-standing educational objectives. The call was explicit: the church and state should align in purpose to ensure that essential values remain a part of school life, and he signaled that he would appeal to the President to advocate for this cause .
The Patriarch voiced concern about what he described as the eroding of achieved results, urging that responses to changing times must be measured and collaborative. He argued that decisions about education should be made in a spirit of unity and that discord between authorities and the church only serves to weaken national resilience. In his view, unity of goals is crucial, especially in the context of the country pursuing sovereignty and cultural self-determination. He called for a routine reevaluation of strategies, but with a shared commitment to preserving core educational content that has long served as a guide for young people. The emphasis, in his words, was on solidarity and constructive dialogue, ensuring that education remains a bridge between generations and a pillar of communal identity .
The discussion highlighted a broader concern about curriculum choices during times of national difficulty. The Patriarch noted that educational initiatives must reflect the aspirations of both the people and the nation, rather than becoming instruments of division. He suggested that the best path forward involves open consultation, transparent decision-making, and a careful balance between protecting established cultural values and adapting to modern realities. The overarching message was clear: unity and mutual respect between religious institutions and state authorities are essential for maintaining a stable and cohesive educational landscape that supports sovereignty and social harmony .
Putin has previously addressed concerns about slogans that imply Russia belongs only to Russians, arguing that such phrases fail to capture the country’s diverse and inclusive fabric. The President’s stance is understood as a call to frame national belonging in a way that upholds both civic responsibility and historical tradition, while inviting broad participation in the nation’s educational and cultural dialogue. The current discussions reflect a broader debate about how to preserve national identity in an era of rapid social change, without isolating minority communities or eroding shared values that unite citizens across regions. The outcome of these conversations will likely influence how educational policy is shaped in the near term, with potential implications for classrooms, schools, and communities across the country .