Bishop Leonid of Argentina and South America Took Part in the 18th Regional Conference of Russian Compatriots from Latin American Countries

DECR Communication service, 23.06.2026.

On June 20-21, the 18th Regional Conference of Russian Compatriots from Latin American Countries was held in Panama City (Republic of Panama), bringing together delegates from 16 countries of the region. The theme of the conference was “The Russian World Without Borders: Language, Culture and the Unity of Compatriots.”

At the opening of the event, welcoming addresses were delivered by: Chargé d’Affaires of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Panama Yu.V. Bavykin, who read out a greeting from M.Yu. Galuzin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and Deputy Chairman of the Government Commission on Compatriots Abroad; Bishop Leonid of Argentina and South America; S.K. Kharbikh, representative of Rossotrudnichestvo in the Republic of Nicaragua; and M.Yu. Pakhrina, Chairman of the Regional Coordinating Council of Latin American Countries.

Noting that compatriots who, for various reasons and at different times, were forced to leave their Homeland and settle in many countries of the continent brought with them not only their language and culture, but also their faith, the head of the Diocese of Argentina emphasized: “Faith, language and culture are the true unity of compatriots.”

Following the official part, the conference agenda continued with presentations by participants and guests. Chairmen and representatives of the Coordinating Councils of Russian Compatriots from Latin American countries shared their experience of events held, and also discussed the opportunities, obstacles and prospects for the work of compatriot organizations. Among the participants of the forum was the Dean of the Central American Deanery, Rector of the Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos in Panama, Hieromonk Anthony (Zhukov), reports the public channel of the Diocese of Argentina.

On June 21, the delegates discussed ways of engaging the younger generation in the public work of the coordinating councils of Russian compatriot organizations and the preservation of cultural and family traditions. The results of the regional drawing competition were also announced.

At the conclusion of the forum, the delegates discussed and adopted the final documents of the conference.

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Bishop Leonid of Argentina and South America Took Part in the 18th Regional Conference of Russian Compatriots from Latin American Countries

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons