The telegram reads, in part:
“For centuries, the Russian Orthodox Church has helped to unite people and encourage their spiritual growth. Your forum serves to strengthen modern Russia’s traditions of civic solidarity and social consensus.
This year – which has been declared the Year of Youth – the main topic of your meeting will be patriotic upbringing and the spiritual and moral development of our younger generation, the reinforcement of family values, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. These issues are nationwide priorities that require joint efforts on the part of the government, the Russian Orthodox Church, and civil society.”