BARNAUL – On November 4, Barnaul hosted its traditional Christian Unity Day, which has been bringing together believers of different denominations for over 15 years. This time, more than 350 people gathered in the hall to pray together, reflect on spiritual values, and help their neighbors.
Interdenominational meetings in Barnaul have been held since 2007 and have long become a good tradition in the region. Among the speakers was Archimandrite Ilarion, who regularly participates in these events together with his Orthodox colleagues. A consultant to the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner in the Altai Territory also took part in the program, underscoring the social significance of such meetings.
A constant feature of Unity Day is the collection of donations for charitable purposes. This year, participants collected 200,000 rubles for the children's ward of the regional psychiatric hospital. Before the fundraising, the ward's doctor spoke about the children undergoing treatment and the importance of the support provided by caring people.
“When investing in such children, one should not expect anything in return from them. This is selfless virtue, generosity without reciprocity,” was heard from the stage.
The organizers emphasized that it is the example of Jesus Christ, who showed love and mercy to those in need, that inspires Christians to such deeds.
The creative highlight of the meeting was a performance by a poet from Barnaul, a member of the Russian Writers' Union, who read poems about love for God and the motherland.
The participants left with a sense of gratitude and a renewed desire to believe, love, and do good—together, despite their differences.
Sergey Potapov
The Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith / Pentecostals
