“Our faith must necessarily be furthered by works”translated

On July 21, 2026, on the feast of the appearance of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos in the city of Kazan (1579), His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' performed the great consecration of the temple in honor of the image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, called “Tula” (Church of St. Nicholas of Tula), the Kazan Theotokos Monastery and the Divine Liturgy in the newly consecrated church. At the end of the service, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church addressed the believers with the First Hierarch’s word.

Dear Rustam Nurgalievich! Vladyka Metropolitan! Dear rulers, fathers, brothers and sisters!

I would like to sincerely thank you for your contribution to strengthening the relationship between Orthodox and Muslims in this wonderful place, for which you, as a leader, are responsible both before God and the higher authorities. Here is a wonderful example of the interaction between Orthodox Christians and Muslims who believe in One God, but between them there are certain differences associated with history and many other circumstances.

It is important that never, under any circumstances, including under the influence of evil forces, this interreligious peace be disturbed. Because then our faith will be worthless...