Priest killed in attacks on Russian places of worship

 (Photo: Getty/iStock)

An Orthodox priest is among the victims of apparently coordinated attacks on places of worship in Russia on Sunday. 

The attacks happened across the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala in the predominantly Muslim republic of Dagestan in the North Caucasus. 

A synagogue, churches and police posts were targeted, leaving 15 police officers and four civilians dead. 

The attackers, who have not been identified, used automatic weapons. Russian authorities said the attackers belong to "an international terrorist organization."

Sergei Melikov, the head of the Dagestan region, named the slain priest as Nikolai Kotelnikov and said he had worked at the church in Derbent for over 40 years. 

Three days of mourning have been declared in Dagestan, which neighbours Chechnya.

Three months ago, over 140 people were killed in a terrorist attack on Crocus City Hall in Moscow. ISIS affiliate ISIS-K claimed responsibility for that attack. 

News
All Nations Christian College to sell campus and move courses online
All Nations Christian College to sell campus and move courses online

The college campus has connections with the 19th century abolitionist movement.

What is the biblical basis of Ash Wednesday?
What is the biblical basis of Ash Wednesday?

18 February 2026 is Ash Wednesday, which traditionally starts the season of Lent. This is the story …

Lent for the weary: rethinking the season as rest, not religious hustle
Lent for the weary: rethinking the season as rest, not religious hustle

Has Lent just become another self-improvement project with a spiritual label?

Bible Society stands by 'Quiet Revival' research
Bible Society stands by 'Quiet Revival' research

Questions about the study have been raised.