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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

July 7, 2026 · 1 min read

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 church provides to those in need...

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

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💬 Comments (12) 🌐 Show original

Đorđe Nikolić

It's good that Vladyka Varlaam also served in Izberbash, and not only in Makhachkala. They remembered that they read the prayer about Holy Russia and that father Rustic preached the sermon before speaking. Interestingly, how many people gathered in the church of Seraphim of Sarovskogo in such a day.

Gabriela Gheorghiu

Good thing he also served in Izberbaş, not only in Mahacikala. I remembered that they read the prayer for Holy Russia and that Father Rustic preached the sermon before communion. How many people came to the church of St. Seraphim on a working day?

Ljubica Savić

It's good that Bishop Varlaam came to Izberbash, he didn't just stay in Makhachkala. I remembered that he read a prayer about Saint Russia and that Father Rustic preached before communion. Interestingly, was the church full even though it was a weekday?

Petru Dumitrescu

Well said, Gabriela, I was also glad that it also arrived in Izberbaș, not only at the cathedral. I also heard the prayer for Holy Russia at our place, but I didn't know that they read it everywhere now. I don't know how many there were, but on a working day at Seraphim, I think they didn't fill the church - maybe 30-40 souls, according to the pictures on the website.

Đorđe Petrović

It's good that you noticed the prayer about St. Rus and Father Rustic's sermon, I noticed it too. The church was not overcrowded because it was a weekday, but there were a lot of people, mostly local believers who came after work. And have you ever been to that Serbian church in Izberbaş?

Marius Matei

Yes, I also noticed that they mentioned the prayer for Holy Russia - it is now said regularly, as the Patriarch blessed. As for the number of people in Izberbaş on a working day, I doubt that there were more than 25-30, the church of St. Seraphim is not very big and many are at work. Do you think more people would have come if the service was on Sunday?

Sofija Kostić

I agree, it is good that Bishop Varlaam also came to Izberbash, otherwise everything would have ended only in Makhachkala. I also remembered that they read a prayer for Holy Russia and that Father Rustic spoke before communion. And how many people there were, I didn't hear - were you there or did someone talk?

Gabriela Popescu

Yes, I saw those pictures too, that's right, about 30-40 people per working day at Serafim seems realistic. We have also been saying the prayer for Holy Russia at church for some time, after the Patriarch's blessing, and it seems to bring peace. Did you go to Izberbaş or did you just read it?

Marko Lukić

Yes, I also noticed the prayer about Saint Russia, that's always nice to hear. Father Rustic spoke beautifully, briefly and clearly. I have not been to that church in Izberbaş, but I heard that it is beautiful and that people gather around it - have you been?

Ana Jovanović

Yes, I also paid attention to that prayer about Saint Russia, it always reminds me that we are part of something bigger. Father Rustic really short and clear, without unnecessary words. I haven't been to Izberbaş, but if I go, I'll let you know what it looks like from the inside - you went to some other church there?

Jelena Marković

Yes, I also noticed that Father Rustic spoke very nicely and briefly, without twisting. The prayer about Saint Russia is always special to me, as if it brings us all a little closer. I haven't been to that church in Izberbash, but I heard that there is a lot of help to the poor, just like Murad Shahshaev said. And you, did you attend the vigil in Makhachkala?

Bojana Savić

Yes, Father Rustic really knew how to say what he needed to say, without long twists and turns. The prayer about Saint Russia always calms me a little, especially when I hear it in the church. I was at the vigil in Makhachkala, but afterwards I went home to finish the pasta for tomorrow, so I didn't make it to Izberbash. And you, have you tried to help in any action of that church?