Gomel Diocese Leads Section at International Christmas Educational Readings 2026

On January 26, 2026, a session focused on the spiritual and moral education of preschool children and regional experiences was held in the Red Hall of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior as part of the XXXIV International Christmas Educational Readings. The event brought together educators and religious leaders to discuss approaches to early childhood development.

Regional Collaboration in Early Childhood Education

The session was led by Archpriest Artemiy Krivitsky, Chairman of the Department of Religious Education and Catechesis of the Gomel Diocese of the Belarusian Exarchate. Maria Rakushina, a specialist in preschool education from the Synodal Department for Religious Education and Catechesis of the Russian Orthodox Church, served as the curator of the session.

Sharing Best Practices

Archpriest Artemiy Krivitsky opened the session with a report detailing the collaboration between the Gomel Diocese and preschool institutions, and the models of their interaction in the sphere of spiritual and moral education. Natalia Timoshenko, an additional education teacher from State Educational Institution “Kindergarten No. 170 of Gomel,” shared the experience of implementing experimental and innovative projects of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus, specifically focusing on the spiritual and moral education of preschoolers and junior schoolchildren based on the Orthodox traditions of the Belarusian people.

Did You Know? State Educational Institution “Kindergarten No. 170 of Gomel” has operated as an innovation platform for over 23 years, leading to the creation of a district resource centre for the spiritual and moral education of preschool children.

Timoshenko also presented the experiences of leading preschool institutions in Gomel, including the activities of the “We Together” family club at State Educational Institution “Kindergarten No. 49 of Gomel,” didactic materials “Holy Lands of Gomel” developed by speech therapist Svetlana Dubina at State Educational Institution “Kindergarten No. 161 of Gomel,” and a comprehensive approach to spiritual and moral education at State Educational Institution “Kindergarten No. 150 of Gomel” through folklore games, thematic lessons, and morning performances in the Belarusian language.

Expanding Regional Networks

Representatives from the Kaliningrad Metropolis presented the regional project “Value Orientation,” based on traditional spiritual and moral values. The session concluded with a presentation by Nadezhda Barabanova, Head of the centre for Advanced Training of the Institute of Education of the Kirov Region, who discussed innovative approaches implemented in cooperation with the Vyatka Diocese.

Expert Insight: The participation of representatives from multiple regions – Gomel, Kaliningrad, and Kirov – suggests a growing interest in integrating spiritual and moral education into preschool curricula across different areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who led the session at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior?

Archpriest Artemiy Krivitsky, Chairman of the Department of Religious Education and Catechesis of the Gomel Diocese of the Belarusian Exarchate, led the session.

What project was presented by representatives from the Kaliningrad Metropolis?

Representatives from the Kaliningrad Metropolis presented the regional project “Value Orientation,” based on traditional spiritual and moral values.

How long has State Educational Institution “Kindergarten No. 170 of Gomel” operated as an innovation platform?

State Educational Institution “Kindergarten No. 170 of Gomel” has operated as an innovation platform for over 23 years.

As regional educational institutions continue to explore the integration of spiritual and moral values into early childhood education, what role might these collaborative efforts play in shaping future curricula and pedagogical approaches?