Archbishop Varlaam and archpastors - guests of the Makhachkala diocese - took part in the opening of the XIII International Interreligious Youth Forumtranslated

From October 6 to 8, 2026, the XIII International Interreligious Youth Forum, organized by the Ministry of National Policy and Religious Affairs of the Republic of Dagestan, is taking place in Dagestan. Traditionally, on these days, religious youth, experts, religious and public figures from Russian regions and foreign countries come to the republic.

The solemn opening of the forum was attended by Archbishop Varlaam of Makhachkala and Derbent and the Most Reverend guests of the Makhachkala diocese - Archbishop Theophylact of Pyatigorsk and Cherkessk, Bishop Stefan of Tikhoretsky and Korenovsky, Bishop Nikolai of Georgievsk and Praskovey.

The opening was attended by Acting Minister of National Policy and Religious Affairs of the Republic of Dagestan, Hero of Russia Temirlan Abutalimov, Mayor of Makhachkala Dzhambulat Salavov, government and public figures of the republic.

The opening ceremony of the XIII International Interreligious Youth Forum began with the performance of the National Anthem of Russia and the Anthem of the Republic of Dagestan, which were performed by the Children's Bishop's Choir under the direction of Honored Artist of the Republic of Dagestan Natalya Makeeva.

On behalf of the Acting Head of the Republic Fyodor Shchukin, the forum participants...