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Patriarch Kirill prays for those killed and wounded in the avalanche in Kabardino-Balkariatranslated

September 8, 2026 · 1 min read

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill expressed condolences in connection with the avalanche in the Bezengi gorge of Kabardino-Balkaria, which resulted in deaths and injuries.

“It was with heartache that I learned about the tragedy in the Bezengi Gorge in Kabardino-Balkaria, where an avalanche occurred. I am convinced that the authorities of the Republic will provide the necessary assistance to the families of those killed and injured as a result of this natural disaster,” the Primate said in his condolences to the head of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic Kazbek Kokov, the relatives and friends of the dead and injured.

The Primate of the Church said that he had instructed the clergy of the Pyatigorsk diocese to support everyone who needs care and participation.

“I pray for the repose of the dead, for the speedy recovery of the wounded and for the sending of God’s help to the rescuers who are working to eliminate the consequences of the onslaught of the elements,” added His Holiness.

In turn, in his condolences to Archbishop Theophylact of Pyatigorsk and Circassia, Patriarch Kirill called on the clergy of the Pyatigorsk diocese to “provide pastoral support and humanitarian assistance to everyone affected by grief.”

“May the merciful Lord rest the souls of His newly departed servants in the villages of the righteous, and send them consolation...

Source: Журнал ФОМА · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (5) 🌐 Show original

Alexander Miller

Tragic news from Bezengi gorge. Good to see Patriarch Kirill directing the Pyatigorsk clergy to give real pastoral care and help to the families, not just words. I'll keep the rescuers and the injured in my prayers tonight.

Marius Ciobanu

Sad news from Bezengi. I noticed that the Patriarch directly asked the priests of the Pyatigorsk diocese to also give practical help, not just prayers, which seems good to me. I will remember the wounded and the rescuers in the evening prayer.

Hannah Anderson

Yes, it's good he told the Pyatigorsk clergy to step in with practical help right away. Our own parish once had a family lose their home in a basement flood, and the quiet visits from the priest and a bag of groceries from the ladies meant more than any statement. I'll add the rescuers working in that cold to my prayers this evening too.

Cristina Gheorghiu

Yes, Marius, I noticed the same thing - good that he insisted on practical help, not just prayer. In the evening I will also mention the wounded and the saviors at prayer, as you say. Sad incident in Bezengi.

Radu Constantinescu

Yes, Cristina, I also saw that he spoke clearly about concrete help from priests, not just about prayer. In the evening I will also remember the wounded and the saviors at prayer, as you say. Sad thing, especially because in Bezengi those people are used to the mountain, but nature still surprises you.