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“Our faith must necessarily be furthered by works”translated

July 21, 2026 · 1 min read

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...

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Горан АнгеловскиYes, faith without works is dead. I am glad that the Patriarch mentioned Rustam Nurgalievich and gratitude for the peace between Orthodox and Muslims in Kazan. Here in Skopje, we also have common neighbors, so it's good when we stick together without quarrels.

Наталія ПанченкоYes, faith without works is dead, as the apostle says. It is good that the Patriarch thanked Rustam Nurgalievich for the peace in Kazan between the Orthodox and Muslims. We also have different neighbors in Lviv, but when everyone just lives humanely, without quarrels, it is more pleasing to God.

Paul SmithДа, вера без дел мертва — Патриарх прямо об этом сказал. Хорошо, что отметил Рустама Нургалиевича за реальную работу по миру в Казани, а не просто слова. У нас в Toronto в youth group тоже ребята из разных общин приходят, и когда вместе футбол гоняем или на кухне помогаем — споров почти не бывает.

Константин КозловExactly, faith without works is dead, as the apostle said. The Patriarch praised Rustam Nurgalievich for his real work in Kazan, and not for empty words. In Tula, too, with our Tatar neighbors in the garden, we sometimes help each other, and the peace is stronger because of it.

Симона ИлиевскаYes, Goran, faith without works is really dead, as the apostle says. I am glad that the Patriarch emphasized Rustam Nurgalievich and the peace in Kazan, and here in Skopje the Muslim neighbors are good people - my child plays with their children in kindergarten and we never have a problem. Do you think that we should do more joint activities in Strumica as well?