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
Christians in Nigeria cling to faith as violence closes in
Christians in Nigeria cling to faith as violence closes in

As deadly attacks on Christian communities continue across central Nigeria, worshippers in Plateau State gathered this month to pray for relief, healing and justice.

Justin Welby's woeful ignorance of same-sex relationships
Justin Welby's woeful ignorance of same-sex relationships

Justin Welby seems to want to be a cheerleader for the LGBT cause, but he clearly hasn’t done his homework first. 

Gay man awarded five-figure sum after claiming to undergo 'exorcism' at evangelical church
Gay man awarded five-figure sum after claiming to undergo 'exorcism' at evangelical church

The church has apologised for mishandling his complaint but denies engaging in conversion therapy.

Research suggests many Brits are afraid to express true opinions
Research suggests many Brits are afraid to express true opinions

New research by Ipsos Mori has found that many Brits fear expressing their true feelings on race, religion and immigration in case they offend someone.