V. Rev. Archpriest Vladimir von Tsurikov presented a paper on the topic “Preservation of Russian Literary and Cultural Legacy in the Russian Diaspora” on November 21, 2013, at the Russian Literary Assembly. This large-scale meeting of the literary community was held in Moscow at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia. Fr. Vladimir presented his paper during a panel entitled “Issues Concerning the Preservation of Literary Heritage: The historical context of the literary process, specific issues in the ‘transmission’ of literary works to subsequent generations, and the preservation of digital heritage (archives, museums, and libraries)”.

Over 500 writers, publishers, teachers, and other cultural figures took part in the assembly, which was organized by descendants of great Russian writers. The conference was held in order to discuss current professional issues dealing with the literary process, the teaching of Russian literature and its promotion throughout the world, elements of marketing in publishing and bookselling, issues in modern poetry, prose, and drama, and problems in maintaining the nation’s literary heritage. President Vladimir Putin also attended the Assembly, urging an increase in the number of hours Russian literature and language is taught in schools, and proposing that the year 2015 be declared the Year of Literature.