Russian Russian Language and Culture Association in Izmir successfully organized the Pilgrim Children's camp for the fifth time on August 15-25 in the vicinity of the town of Geyikli off the Aegean coast in Turkey with the support of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Foundation for the Support of Christian Culture and Heritage.
In 2025, 60 boys and girls participated in the project. The children studied Russian language and culture, the basics of the Orthodox faith, engaged in general physical training, learned how to provide first aid, practiced archery, javelin throwing, orienteering, participated in mini-hikes, and gained self-defense skills. A theater workshop was traditionally organized in the camp, where the children studied the basics of public speaking and acting. This year, the shift participants prepared and held a ball for the first time.
Among the campers were not only the children of compatriots living in Turkey, but also children from Turkish families. The winners of the 12TH Easter Miracle children's drawing contest also took part in the work of "Pilgrim".
On August 23, Priest Georgy Sergeyev, responsible for the care of the faithful of the Moscow Patriarchate in the territory of the Republic of Turkey, celebrated the Divine Liturgy on the territory of the camp. The children and teachers received communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ. After the service, the priest held a meeting with the young "pilgrims" and answered their numerous questions.