A meeting was conducted by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ and Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko to organize the 600th anniversary celebration of the Solovetsky Archipelago’s first monastic settlement, which will occur in 2029.
The meeting took place at the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Solovetsky Stavropegic Monastery during an annual forum honoring St. Philip, as part of the Patriarch’s visit aligned with commemorations for Venerable Zosima, Savvaty, and Herman of Solovki.
Federal authorities, Arkhangelsk Region Governor Alexander Tsybulsky, regional government members, representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Foundation for the Preservation and Development of the Solovetsky Archipelago, public and religious groups, and various departments participated in the council’s work.
In his welcoming speech, Patriarch Kirill highlighted Solovki as a place where the spirit of the people is notably strong. He emphasized that this strength preserved the monastery even in dire times, making it a refuge for Orthodox individuals. Underlining Solovki’s cultural, spiritual, and historical importance, he called for combined efforts to address existing problems on the islands. He stressed the necessity of restoring essential parts of the Solovki architectural ensemble by 2029, noting the ongoing large-scale preservation work.
The Foundation for the Preservation and Development of the Solovetsky Archipelago, established in 2018 by the Russian Orthodox Church’s initiative, is actively involved in preparing for the anniversary celebration. The foundation’s board oversees events to preserve and develop the archipelago, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.
Chernyshenko mentioned that the organizing committee was formed by the Government following a decree from President Vladimir Putin. He stated that the 600th anniversary celebration preparations are a governmental priority, closely monitored by Chairman Mikhail Mishustin.
A headquarters was established two years ago for the archipelago’s preservation and development, supplemented by a video monitoring group for all sites. Additional federal budget funds were allocated for infrastructure construction and reconstruction in Solovki. A modern waste management complex is completed, and progress is checked on the construction of a technological pier and the Tamarin pier’s reconstruction. Contracts for water supply and sewerage systems are in place, and cultural heritage restoration is on schedule.
Governor Alexander Tsybulsky described the archipelago’s ongoing government activities, noting the 600th anniversary as a national milestone requiring cooperative preservation and development efforts from the Russian Orthodox Church, government bodies, and cultural organizations.
He reported ongoing construction of a district hospital and airport on Solovki, alongside improvements in engineering infrastructure. The education sector will see updates following the headquarters’ decisions, with major repairs planned for the Solovetsky school and kindergarten.
In 2024, a Strategy for the Development of Pilgrimage and Tourism until 2035 was created, considering maximum anthropogenic load and focusing on tourism development that respects the islands’ spiritual and natural heritage. A brand book for the archipelago was developed, and the My Solovki website’s digital resource is nearing completion.
Alexander Tsybulsky emphasized building a system for Solovki’s preservation and development, spanning infrastructure to tourism and culture, aiming to celebrate the anniversary while maintaining the archipelago’s uniqueness and welcoming pilgrims and visitors. President Vladimir Putin’s 2024 decree set events for the significant historical milestone in the Orthodox Russian North and Russia.
Celebrations for the 600th anniversary of Solovki’s first monastic settlement begin in 2027, with infrastructure enhancements and a series of memorial, cultural, and Orthodox events planned.
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