A cleric of the diocese took part in the conference “Cossacks of Russia: history, traditions, unity”translated

On October 30, 2026, a conference “Cossacks of Russia: history, traditions, unity” was held in Kizlyar as part of the Cossack Festival.

With the blessing of Archbishop Varlaam of Makhachkala and Derbent, the deputy head of the diocesan Department for Cooperation with the Cossacks, Hieromonk Siluan (Isaev-Baidauri), took part in the conference.

“Historically, the Cossacks and the Orthodox Church were inextricably linked,” Father Silouan recalled in his speech. — The Orthodox faith has been the spiritual core of Cossack life for centuries; It was she who formed the moral guidelines of the Cossacks, fostered loyalty to the Fatherland, respect for elders, love for family, readiness for self-sacrifice and service to one’s neighbor.”

“And today, when we talk about the revival of the Cossacks, it is necessary to understand: it is impossible to revive the Cossacks only through external attributes, uniforms, banners, awards and ceremonial events, without caring about the revival of its spiritual content,” the priest emphasized.

“It seems deeply symbolic to me that our meeting today is taking place on October 30,” Father Silouan continued. — On this day, the Russian Orthodox Church performs a special prayer...