Bishop Feofan conducts mass baptism in North Ossetia

Over 1300 people were baptized in the Republic of North Ossetia Alania on September 24-25. Bishop Feofan of Stavropol and Vladikavkaz and clergy of the Republic conducted the sacrament on the river Feogdon and in the monastic lake at the Alagirsk Canyon.

Recently organized Monasteries of the Assumption and the Epiphany are located nearby. They were established not long ago, but have already become spiritual centers of Ossetia. Several dozens of pilgrims visit every monastery daily.

Residents from various cities and villages of North Ossetia came to the Feogdon and Alagirsk Canyons. Among those who adopted Christianity were the youth and people of the middle age. Orthodoxy in the Republic is revived and it was their personal spiritual choice to become members of the Orthodox Church.

Bishop Feofan noted that ‘Ossetia was one of the first regions in the world where Christianity was preached and our faith became the choice of the whole nation’. Bishop of Stavropol and Vladikavkaz called upon the newly-baptized Christians to strengthen in church life. ‘You should pray in the church and at home, participate in the sacraments, and observe church rules in your new life’, Bishop Feofan said.

Over 300 people were baptized on the Feogdon and over thousand people in the lake near the tract of Kharisdjyn. Every baptized was immersed in the water three times. Bishop Feofan conducted the sacrament standing in the lake.

The participants shared a fraternal meal in the Monastery of Assumption and in the Monastery of Epiphany.

People said they became witnesses and participants of a truly historical event. The mercy of God condescended to Ossetia after the tragedy of Beslan.

Press service

The Diocese of Stavropol