Attack on a priest in Elista

On May 7, 2026, an unknown person attacked a priest in the Kazan Cathedral in Elista.

Archpriest Anatoly Sklyarov performed the services after the liturgy. A man approached him to talk about spiritual topics and after a short time he pulled out a knife and stabbed the priest. A. Anatoly managed to dodge, but the attacker still hit his hand. The priest was hospitalized.

The attacker, a 37-year-old local resident, was detained. A criminal case has been filed against him.

According to the Elista diocese, the detainee suffers from mental illness.

Sources

• A man armed with a knife attacked a priest in the Kazan Cathedral in Elista // Telegram channel “7x70 News”. 2026. May 7.
• In Elista, a criminal case has been initiated against a local resident // Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the Republic of Kalmykia. 2026. May 7.
• Official statement of the Elista and Kalmyk diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church // Official website of the Elista and Kalmyk diocese. 2026. May 7. *