On the Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist, Archbishop Varlaam celebrated the Liturgy in the Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov in Izberbashtranslated

On July 7, 2026, on the feast of the Nativity of the honest, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord John, Archbishop Varlaam of Makhachkala and Derbent celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov in Izberbash.

The day before, the ruling bishop led an all-night vigil in the Assumption Cathedral of Makhachkala.

During the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Varlaam was co-served by the rector of the church, Priest Oleg Shalnov, and clergy of the Makhachkala diocese.

After reading the Gospel, the bishop addressed the flock with an archpastoral word.

At the special litany, special petitions were offered. Archbishop Varlaam read a prayer for Holy Rus', performed in all churches of the Russian Orthodox Church with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill.

The sermon before communion was delivered by the cleric of the Assumption Cathedral of Makhachkala, Priest Rustik Korneychik.

At the end of the service, the rector of the church thanked the archpastor for the joy of joint prayer.

On behalf of the head of the city administration, Rasul Bakaev, Deputy Mayor Murad Shakhshaev congratulated Orthodox Christians on the holiday. He noted the active participation of the parish in the life of Izberbash and the help that the temple provides to those in need...