On May 26, 2026, at the Patriarchal and Synodal Residence at the Danilov Monastery in Moscow, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia met with the head of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic Kazbek Valeryevich Kokov and the head of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic Rashid Borispievich Temrezov. The meeting was attended by Archbishop Theophylact of Pyatigorsk and Cherkessia, the ruling bishop of the Pyatigorsk diocese, which unites parishes in part of the Stavropol Territory, as well as Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia.
"I am very glad to see you. I highly appreciate the level of relations with the Russian Orthodox Church that is developing in the republics that you lead," His Holiness the Patriarch said, greeting the heads of the regions. — This is a very important indicator. We live in a multinational country where both Orthodox and Muslims have lived peacefully for centuries. This is a factor of strength and well-being of our people. That is why, as Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, I always pay special attention to interreligious relations."
"Various kinds of efforts have been made, including from abroad, to bring Orthodox Christians into conflict with Muslims, to create internal difficulties in our state, but nothing like this has happened. Sometimes there were crises, which we are all well aware of, but they never escalated into an interreligious conflict. This is a big and important matter," the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church emphasized, thanking the regional leaders "for maintaining a good level of relations both at the political, state, and household levels, which may sometimes be no less important than the relations of people in power." 
"Once again, I would like to thank you for the atmosphere and the style of relations that have developed between Orthodox Christians and representatives of Islam in the republics that you lead," His Holiness added.   
The participants of the meeting thanked the Primate of the Russian Church for the high appreciation of their work. 
Archbishop Theophylact presented to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill a detailed report on the development of church life, social projects and interreligious dialogue in Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia over the past 15 years, since the restoration of the independent Pyatigorsk diocese. 
In particular, the bishop said that the Cathedral of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene in Nalchik, consecrated by the Primate during his visit to this city in May 2016, has opened a museum of the history of Christianity in Kabardino-Balkaria, operates a Sunday school, and a large library. The cathedral became the center of education and association of the intelligentsia of the region. The branch of the World Russian National Cathedral in Nalchik continues to operate. 
In the city of Baksan in Kabardino-Balkaria, the construction of a temple is being completed, the foundation stone of which was consecrated by the Primate. 
The ancient procession with the Mozdok Icon of the Mother of God (a list from the Iveron Icon), which takes place annually on the Eve of Pentecost, has been restored in the city of Prokhladny.
Three ancient historical temples in Kabardino-Balkaria are being restored with the support of the authorities.
Bishop Theophylact noted that temple construction in Karachay-Cherkessia is also carried out with the support of the republic's leadership. St. Nicholas Cathedral in Cherkessk was completed and consecrated as soon as possible. There is a museum of the history of Orthodoxy in the region attached to the temple, which focuses on working with children and youth. Students from local schools visit the museum as part of their patriotic education.
Another temple in the region was built with the direct participation of the head of the republic, R.B. Temrezov.
An important educational project is the Orthodox gymnasium in Cherkessk. Students actively participate in urban life, communicate with military personnel.
With the support of the head of Karachay-Cherkessia, there is a pilgrimage route to the Arkhyz settlement, a unique monument of medieval Christianity in the North Caucasus: regular pilgrimages to one of the oldest temple complexes in Russia have been organized, conditions for pilgrims have been created, and divine services are regularly held in Arkhyz temples. 
Archbishop Theophylact also spoke about the most important events of church life in the deaneries of the Pyatigorsk diocese located in the Stavropol Territory. In particular, His Eminence informed His Holiness the Patriarch about the completion of the painting of the Spassky Cathedral in Pyatigorsk, consecrated by the Primate in 2012, and about the restoration work at the Assumption of the Second Athos Beshtaugorsky Monastery, which is being revived with the blessing of His Holiness.
A temple in the name of the prophet of God Elijah was built and painted at the airport of Mineralnye Vody, the construction of which was also blessed by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill during his visit to the Stavropol Metropolis in December 2012.  
In addition, the ruling bishop of the Pyatigorsk diocese spoke about the Orthodox gymnasiums and kindergarten operating in Kislovodsk. 
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill highly appreciated the work done in the diocese, emphasizing the importance of patriotic and spiritual education of the younger generation, as well as social activities. His Holiness emphasized that proper upbringing of children from an early age lays the foundations for the well-being of an individual and a country.
In consideration of the help of the Pyatigorsk diocese and in connection with the 50th anniversary of his birth, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church awarded the head of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, R.B. Temrezov, with the Order of the Blessed Prince Daniel of Moscow, first class.
"Thank you for your hard work, for your position. We all appreciate it very much, and this award is a visible expression of our gratitude to you for your efforts," said His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, presenting the high award.