Chechnya saw the first mass baptism in its history.

Grozny, August 26, Interfax – Archbishop Zosima of Vladikavkaz and Makhachkala performed the first mass baptism ceremony in the history of Chechen republic in the river Terek of Naursky dirstrict.

35 citizens of Naursky and Shelkovsky districts were converted to Orthodoxy, press service of Chechen leader reports Friday.

“Keep your Orthodox faith, live in peace with each other, avoid evil, make your families and grow your children,”

Father Zosima wished to the young Christians.

Archpriest Amvrosiy (Marchenko) of Naursky okrug thanked Archbishop on behalf of all parishioners for the ceremony. He expressed hope that such mass baptism in Terek water would become a tradition.

This even was reported by anti-Christian elements in Chechnya as “Russian polytheists carried out rite of Christian baptism in Chechnya. Kadyrov’s followers kill Muslims” (note that other than the misleading title, the actual article says nothing about anyone doing anything to muslims – other than baptizing them because they are no longer believers in Islam)

Here is the LINK to the video report of these ‘aggressors.’

Source: Interfax