Address of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia delivered at the opening session of the 12th World Russian People’s Council

Esteemed representatives of the state authorities!
Most reverend archpastors, beloved reverend fathers, brothers and sisters!
Dear young friends!

I am happy to greet you at the 12^th World Russian People’s Council – the Council of children and youth. Its theme, ‘Future Generations – National Treasure of Russia’ shows how important it is for the Church, state and society to pay their attention to the life of young people to whom the future belongs.

Gathered here are many young brothers and sisters from different regions of Russia and from abroad, and from the podium of this forum I tell you, the young ones: Remember that the older generation will entrust the destiny of our country and our people to you. Do not forget that your success brings joy to your mothers and fathers, while your misfortunes and failures bring them sorrow. You should become masters of your life, as the Holy Scripture says, ‘the faithful and prudent managers’ (Lk 12:42).

Young people are in search of themselves and their vocation. All young people have a wide choice of their ways in life, many of which are, unfortunately, pernicious. You should remember that any sin is evil as it ruins human beings and dissolve their bonds with God and their neighbours. Evil and falsehood will never lead people to a worthy, full and peaceful life. St Tikhon of Zadonsk says, ‘You are truly happy when you have no sins upon your conscience.’ Only the spiritually rich and strong-willed generation with pure hearts will be able to build a strong country and ensure a worthy life for all people.

Today many young people are spiritually poor and unhappy as they have lost ties with the traditions of their ancestors. They are deprived of these ties not by their own will. They are vulnerable to the stream of filth and lie flowing from the TV, Internet and yellow press. A great misfortune awaits us if young people are not immune to the diseases caused by this lie. That is why school and the media should help young people draw wisdom and moral strength from the source of our tradition. It concerns not only Orthodox youth but also believers of other religions with cultural traditions of their own.

My dear young friends! Many generations of our ancestors have left us rich spiritual, cultural and intellectual heritage. You, their heirs, can transform the world if you use this heritage reasonably and intelligently. I believe that you will do it, thus becoming a safe bulwark for our homeland and the light to the entire world.

The unity and succession of generations – mature and young, those made wiser by their years and those only beginning their life – is a strong bond that ties the past, the present and the future of our country. Neither the young without wisdom of the elders, nor the elders without energy of the young cold live in harmony or make progress. It is not fortuitous that the Lord has created the world in which people of different age and different experience live.

Let us take care of one another and support one another. Let the elders help the young to develop their talents and gifts, to come to the adult life and take responsibility for it. Let the young care for the elders and help them, let the young complete the work the elders had no time to finish.

I wish you successful work, an honest and open dialogue, and success in finding the ways leading our Motherland and our people to a better future.

May the Lord help you in your ministry!

• Address of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia delivered at the opening session of the 12th World Russian People’s Council
• Russian President Vladimir Putin sends his greetings to participants of the 12th World Russian People’s Councils