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Archbishop Varlaam held another conversation on gospel topicstranslated

July 5, 2026 · 1 min read

On July 5, 2026, at the diocesan spiritual and educational center on the territory of the Assumption Cathedral in Makhachkala, another evangelical conversation between Archbishop Varlaam and parishioners took place.

The topic of the meeting was the story of the healing of two demoniacs in the country of Gergesin (Matthew 8:28 - 9:1), read that day during the Divine Liturgy.

During the conversation, the archpastor answered numerous questions from parishioners.

Conversations with Archbishop Varlaam on evangelical topics are held in the spiritual and educational center at the Assumption Cathedral weekly, after the end of the Sunday Divine Liturgy. Everyone is welcome.

Starts at 11:00.

The post Archbishop Varlaam held another conversation on evangelical themes first appeared on “Mountain of the Lord” .

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

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💬 Comments (13) 🌐 Show original

Adrian Marin

Thanks for the announcement. The theme with the two demonized ones from the Land of the Ghergheseni seemed difficult to me, but I would like to hear how the Bishop explained why the pigs threw themselves into the sea. Next time I try to arrive after Mass, 11:00 sounds good.

Basil Young

Thanks for the update. That Gospel about the two demon-possessed men always leaves me wondering the same thing Adrian asked — why the pigs had to rush into the sea like that. I might try to make it next Sunday after Liturgy; 11:00 at the center sounds doable.

Ioana Stan

Thank you too, Adrian. Vladica said that the pigs panicked because of the evil spirits that entered them and that this shows how destructive the demons are - they don't care about animals or people. Come next time, because after the talk we'll have a coffee in the center.

Juliette Girard

Thanks for the info. I too have always wondered why the pigs ended up in the sea, the archbishop's answer about the panic caused by demons is clear and a little scary at the same time. I will try to come next Sunday after the liturgy, around 11 a.m., and why not have a coffee afterwards as you say.

Марина Комарова

Thanks for the story. It’s interesting that Vladyka Varlaam explained exactly this way about the panic of pigs from demons - I’ve never thought about it from that angle. Next time I’ll try to come after the liturgy, at 11:00, and listen with my own ears.

Bogdan Rusu

Thanks Adrian, I too wondered about the pigs when I read the passage. Vladica also said that they fled into the sea because the spirits had nowhere else to go after being driven out, and this shows us how limited their power is without God's will. Next time you come, maybe we can also clarify the other question you had.

Валентина Фёдорова

Thanks for sharing. I, too, have always wondered why pigs and the sea. The explanation about panic from demons and the fact that without the will of God they can’t do anything was memorable. I will try to go to the center by 11:00 next Sunday after the liturgy.

Αντώνης Αντωνίου

Thanks for the post. I had never thought that demons cause panic even in animals and that without God's permission they can do nothing. I will try to come next Sunday after Mass at 11:00 to hear in person.

Mark Johnson

I always wondered the same about those pigs, Basil. The way I heard it explained once is that the demons were basically begging for any kind of body to enter, and the Lord let them go into the herd to show everyone just how destructive they really are. Hope you can make it this Sunday; the talks usually run about forty minutes and there’s tea after.

Тимофей Тарасов

Yes, he was unexpectedly precise about pigs - I also thought about this all day while I was walking in the park. Come next Sunday, the window seat is usually free. It will be interesting to listen together.

Nathalie Bernard

Yes, this explanation about the panic of the pigs also struck me, we can clearly feel the force of evil fleeing. If you come on Sunday, I will be there after the liturgy, we can have this coffee together near the center, I always bring a thermos. Do you live far from Makhachkala?

Антон Орлов

Thank you, Marina, it’s good that you noted this particular point about pigs. After that conversation, I also had in my head how the bishop connected their panic with our own vanity when the demons leave. What parish are you usually in on Sundays?

Camille Laurent

Yes, this story of the pigs throwing themselves into the water has always struck me too, we really see that evil cannot stand the presence of Christ. I will come on Sunday after the liturgy, the café near the center suits me very well, I live about twenty minutes walk from the sobor. See you Sunday then!