From July 25 to 27, 2025, Rzhev congregation held its annual family gathering. This time the topic was The Law of Love. The new outdoor format was a hit with everyone. Participants camped in tents, far from urban comforts and completely without mobile service. They learned to “survive in the rugged mountains” (gaining rock-climbing skills), created art, made new friends, and praised God. God’s Law was presented as a challenging hiking route, where participants recalled the Ten Commandments, reinforcing their understanding with personal testimonies and life stories. As for the “Gospel” – it was all about swimming in the Volga River, creative activities, and hymn singing. The event was attended by guests from the Moscow and Southern Deaneries.

From August 1 to 3, 2025, the 20th anniversary camping of the St. Petersburg Deanery, “Fathers and Children,” took place in Karelia. The Lord blessed us with good weather, and everything we planned came to fruition! There were barbecues, fishing, a Bible study by the campfire, motorboat rides, active games, swimming, fellowship, and a traditional worship service on the shore of Lake Ladoga. On the way back, the participants visited the congregations of Northern Ladoga: Pitkäranta, Läskelä, Sortavala, and Lahdenpohja.