The Role of the Clergy in the Great Victory Discussed at KBSU
KBSU became the venue for an important conversation about memory, faith, and intergenerational unity. Representatives of the republic’s government, clergy, the public, and students gathered to honor the heroism of their ancestors and discuss how to convey historical truth to new generations. The meeting was organized by the Institute of Pedagogy, Psychology, and Physical Education and Sports at Kabardino-Balkarian State University.
Guests enjoyed a rich program: first, they viewed the photo exhibition «The Role of the Clergy in the Great Victory,» then watched the theatrical production «Voices of Victory,» and then engaged in an open dialogue about how to preserve historical memory in the digital age.
Deputy Minister for Ethnic Affairs and Public Projects of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Dzhambulat Gergokov, speaking about the continuity of generations, emphasized that the clergy remains a reliable pillar of society today:
«From day one, our clergy have not stood aside from those defending the country in the SVO zone. They have sent dozens of humanitarian convoys to the front lines, and clergy support the soldiers and help their families. History repeats itself in a spiral: external forces always try to divide us from within, using the principle of ‘divide and conquer.’ Therefore, the unity of the peoples of Russia, which we celebrate this year, is our main shield.»
Chairman of the Centralized Religious Organization «International Islamic Mission» Shafig Pshikhachev emphasized the importance of uniting the efforts of representatives of different faiths:
«Without spiritual and moral guidelines, society loses ground. Today, we clearly understand our task: representatives of different faiths and cultures must act together.» Only through unity and collaboration can we strengthen traditional values and build a worthy future for our children.»
Konstantin Osipov, priest of the Cathedral of Mary Magdalene, emphasized in his speech the profound meaning of the Victory and the role of spirituality in difficult times:
«The feat of our ancestors was accomplished not for glory, but so that future generations could live happily. If the desire to create for the sake of others, and not for one’s own pride, is not awakened in the young heart, all our efforts will be in vain.»
Khazratali Berdov, Chairman of the Public Chamber of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, emphasized the new opportunities offered by digital technologies for preserving history:
«New technologies offer us a unique opportunity: electronic archives, virtual reconstructions, and even neural networks allow us not only to store documents but to literally immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the past. Thus, history ceases to be a dry list of dates, becoming living, understandable, and truly interesting for young people.»
Murat Gukepshokov, Vice-Rector for General Affairs at Kabardino-Balkarian State University, emphasized the university’s special mission in preserving historical truth:
«The memory of the heroism of our grandfathers and great-grandfathers must live in our hearts and be carefully passed on to future generations. The most important thing is to preserve and instill in young people an absolute love for the Motherland, for the land on which we live. This is a fundamental feeling that can easily be lost if not constantly nurtured. Kabardino-Balkarian State University recognizes its mission: we must be a cultural territory where values are formed, without which society has no future.»
The meeting culminated in a performance of the historical theatrical production «Voices of Victory,» prepared by graduates of Moscow State Linguistic University. Through the personal stories of soldiers, mothers, children, and home front workers, the play revealed the war from its most humane side: audiences saw that heroism in those years was measured not only on the battlefield, but also in quiet courage, daily patience, and a willingness to sacrifice what was most precious to save their native land.
During the panel discussion «Innovative Tools for Preserving Historical Memory,» experts and students discussed how modern formats help foster respect for the past among young people and resist attempts to rewrite history.
The «With Faith for the Fatherland» initiative was implemented as part of state policy to strengthen traditional values and with the support of the Foundation for the Support of Islamic Culture, Science, and Education, the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs, the Department of National Policy and Interregional Relations of Moscow, as well as leading universities and religious organizations of the North Caucasus.