Representation of the World Russian People's Council to the United Nations
“And prayer, and abstinence from fast food, and visiting the temple, and deeds of mercy, which must be done especially during the days of Great Lent — all this helps a person to take an important step on the path to God.”
- HIS HOLINESS PATRIARCH KIRILL
Representation of the World Russian People's Council
to the United Nations
The World Russian People's Council (VRNS) is the largest Russian public forum. It has existed since 1993 and plays a significant role in the formation of civil society in Russia. Representatives of all branches of government, leaders of public associations, the highest clergy of Russia's traditional religions, teachers and students of the country's largest educational institutions, scientists and cultural figures, delegates of Russian communities from near and far abroad, and numerous youth representatives traditionally take part in its meetings.
From the moment of its creation until his death in 2008, the Head of the Council was His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia. The current Head of the Council is His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.
The Presidium and Council of the VRNS include well-known Russian politicians and public figures, representatives of the world of science, culture and education, military leaders, compatriots from near and far abroad.
The cathedral was originally intended to become a broad public forum, a meeting place for people of different political persuasions, united by concern for the future of Russia, tuned in to constructive dialogue and active cooperation. Regional branches of the Cathedral have been established in many cities and regions of Russia, including Volgograd, Kaliningrad, Smolensk, the Komi Republic, Sarov, Arzamas and others.
Since the creation of the World Russian People's Council, 11 meetings have taken place. In the VI ARNS, held in December 2001 and dedicated to the theme “Russia: Faith and Civilization. Dialogue of Epochs”, President of Russia Vladimir Putin took part.
On July 21, 2005, the World Russian People's Council was granted special consultative status with the UN. This eloquently testifies to the recognition of the importance of the authority and experience of the ARNC for the work of the world organization. At the same time, the Representation of the ARNC to the UN was created, designed to ensure interaction between the Council and the UN.