Address by Archbishop Varlaam of Makhachkala and Derbent to the participants of the interregional conference “Unity of Peoples – the Strength of Russia!”translated

Dear Fedor Vyacheslavovich! Dear representatives of federal and regional government bodies!

Dear brothers and sisters!

I cordially welcome you, the participants of the interregional conference “Unity of Peoples – the Strength of Russia!”

The very name of our meeting reflects one of the most important aspects of Russian history: the strength of Russia has always lay not in uniformity, but in unity. The ability of people of different nationalities, languages ​​and religions to preserve their identity and together create a common Fatherland.

Of particular importance is the fact that the conference is taking place on September 8, when our country celebrates the Day of Languages ​​of the Peoples of the Russian Federation for the first time. The date of the holiday was not chosen by chance - it is the birthday of the great son of Dagestan and all of Russia, Rasul Gamzatov.

For Dagestan, where dozens of peoples have lived side by side for centuries and dozens of languages ​​are spoken, this holiday has a special meaning. Language is not only a means of communication. It reflects the memory of the people, their history, moral ideas, traditions and connections between generations.

As Christians we know that differences of tongue should not divide people. On the day of Pentecost, the apostles spoke in different languages, and each...