ANNOUNCEMENT: Competition “The Beauty of God’s World” in the Kolomna Diocese and the Moscow Metropolis 10/15/2026translated

On September 1, 2026, the XXII International Children's Art Competition “The Beauty of God's World: the Peoples of a United Russia”, dedicated to the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia, will start. The competition is held with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus'. It is aimed at spiritual education, moral and patriotic education of the younger generation, introducing children and youth to Orthodox culture, identifying young talents, and creating an environment for creative communication. In 2026, the competition will be held in two stages and in three categories: “Main theme”, “Orthodox icon”, “Porcelain painting”. The nomination “Main Theme” (artwork) includes recommended topics: • “Cultural heritage and traditions of the peoples of Russia”; Nomination “Orthodox Icon”: Orthodox saints who patronize and protect the Russian land: Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, Archangel Michael, etc.

• “Prince Dmitry Pozharsky and the merchant Kuzma Minin”; Children in two age categories can participate in the competition: 9–12 years old and 13–17 years old. In the nominations “Porcelain Painting” and “Orthodox...