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Archbishop Varlaam took part in a meeting of representatives of religious associations of the North Caucasus with Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation Yu.Ya. Seagulltranslated

July 21, 2026 · 1 min read

On July 20, 2026, in Pyatigorsk, a meeting was held between the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the North Caucasus Federal District, Yuri Yakovlevich Chaika, and representatives of religious associations of the subjects of the North Caucasus Federal District.

Orthodox Christians of Dagestan were represented at the meeting by Archbishop Varlaam of Makhachkala and Derbent.

In a conversation with the clergy of traditional religious communities of the North Caucasus, issues of preserving and strengthening interethnic and interreligious harmony based on Russian spiritual and moral values were discussed.

Welcoming those gathered, Yuri Yakovlevich noted the importance of the upcoming conversation, which is designed to determine the vectors of joint efforts of the clergy, authorities and civil society institutions to accomplish large-scale tasks within the framework of the events of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and the Strategy of the State National Policy, which came into force on January 1 of this year.

“The Strategy clearly states: Russia is an original and unique state-civilization that has evolved over centuries on the basis of the spiritual and moral values of different peoples, forming a common cultural code and a common historical destiny. This is unity in...

Source: Site: Махачкалинская епархия · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (9) 🌐 Translate comments

Olivia Lewis

Good to see Archbishop Varlaam there representing the Orthodox in Dagestan. The focus on shared spiritual and moral values as the foundation for peace makes sense – that’s what actually holds different communities together over time, not just meetings. Praying it leads to real cooperation on the ground.

Basil Adams

I agree, Olivia – Archbishop Varlaam has been steady in that role for years now, and it's good to see him at the table in Pyatigorsk. The part about building on actual shared values instead of just talk rings true; we've seen that work in small ways back home with our Muslim neighbors helping at the church garden. Do you think the "Year of Unity of the Peoples" will push more joint projects like that?

Emma Baker

Yeah, Olivia, that bit about real cooperation on the ground is exactly what matters. Archbishop Varlaam’s been consistent about that in Dagestan, especially when our parish there helped with the local food pantry that serves everyone. Hope the meeting pushes past the speeches this time.

Basil Young

I remember reading about that garden project a couple years back—nice to hear the Muslim neighbors pitched in with the heavy lifting on the fence. The Year of Unity might get more of those hands-on things going, though I'd like to see it focus more on the actual parishes than big strategy papers. What kind of joint effort do you think would work best in Dagestan?

Gregory Mitchell

Yeah, that food pantry in Dagestan really cut through the talk and got things done. Our choir here in Ottawa sent some extra hymn books last year for their parish library, and the feedback was that the local families actually used them together across the different groups. You think this meeting will lead to more concrete projects like that?

Grace Turner

I remember that garden fence project too, Basil — our parish ended up with stronger beds because of the extra hands. The Year of Unity could spark more of those concrete efforts, but I hope it also encourages quieter things like just sitting down for tea together without a grant application first. What kind of small joint thing would you like to see happen in your own parish?

Emily Adams

I liked hearing about the Muslim neighbors helping with that fence too — small things like that build more trust than any meeting. In Dagestan a joint effort that might actually stick is Orthodox and Muslim women getting together to cook for big parish feasts or charity meals; my daughter saw something similar work in Makhachkala a few years ago. What do you reckon?

Daniel Miller

The garden project in Makhachkala really showed what works—those Muslim guys showed up with their truck and muscle when the posts needed setting. In Dagestan I'd push for something simple like joint clean-up days at shared historical sites, maybe the old Derbent fortress area, where both sides already have roots. Basil, have you seen any of those local volunteer crews in action up there?

Irene Collins

Yes, the garden project in Makhachkala was a good practical example. Joint clean-up days at Derbent fortress could work well too, since both communities have ties there. Have you thought about involving the local Orthodox youth group from our parish? They’re always looking for hands-on things like that.