EKATERINBURG DIOCESE: 24 July, 2026
The Dean of Russian Orthodox Parishes in New Zealand, Archpriest Vladimir Boikov, meets with Orthodox youth in the Ural Capital

During the event titled the "Royal Days-2026" at the library of the Ascension of the Savior Church in Ekaterinburg, Russia, a meeting was held between Orthodox youth and Archpriest Vladimir Boikov, a clergyman of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and Dean of Russian parishes in New Zealand.

Father Vladimir shared his life story and his experience of spiritual life abroad.

“They say that children are our future. I don’t quite agree. Children and young people are our present! If we don’t engage with our youth here and now, invest in them, educate them, and involve them in the Church, we won’t have a future,” the pastor emphasized.

Every year Fr Vladimir comes to Ekaterinburg for the Royal Days, marking the anniversary of the martyrdom of Tsar Nicholas II and his family, and for him, it’s a special event: on this day, July 17, 1991, he was ordained as a priest. The Holy Royal Martyrs are the patrons of his priesthood and inspire him in his service.

“Learn to be children of God in the temple of God. Let the temple of God be your home. Let the Lord God be your Father, and the Mother of God be your mother,” Father Vladimir encouraged the participants of the meeting. “Let this house of God become the most beloved, precious, and familiar place for you. If it does, then whether we are in New Zealand, Australia, America, or here in Russia, we will all go together on the same path to the Kingdom of God. And that is our challenge for everyone.

The organizers of the meeting sincerely thanked Father Vladimir for the heartfelt dialog, wise guidance, and a wonderful evening spent among like-minded people.

Ekaterinburg Diocese