On July 20, 2026, Metropolitan Kirill of Stavropol and Nevinnomyssk took part in an event dedicated to the opening of the Chess House in Stavropol Victory Park.
Representatives of the Stavropol Territory Government, young chess players and their parents also took part in the solemn event.
The head of the Stavropol Archdiocese noted in his welcoming speech: "Priests are wonderful teachers, builders, singers, musicians, you can list them endlessly. And the fact that our Stavropol priest was elected head of the Chess Federation is a very high level of trust. Our society is multifaceted, but we are all brothers and sisters on this earth. If we love our Fatherland, then together we are building a big house, our great Russia. Today there are houses of God, music, poetry, and today there is a new house – the House of Chess. Any kind of sport develops willpower, fraternity within the group in which the child is engaged, and respect even for athletic opponents. That's great! God grant, my dear ones, that children are really happy, and for this we need spiritual happiness, spiritual education and such a wonderful sport as chess. Godspeed!" said the archpastor.
Also during the event, Metropolitan Kirill and the Minister of Physical Culture and Sports of the Stavropol Territory Veronika Taydakova signed a cooperation agreement between the Stavropol and Nevinnomyssk dioceses and the Ministry of Sports of the Stavropol Territory.
Then Vladyka Kirill, along with other honored guests, cut a ribbon and was the first to enter the new building of the Chess House, where he talked with the participants of the event and wished them God's help and mercy.
More than 18.5 thousand people play chess in the Stavropol Territory. This is a big and friendly family. Now this family has its own home. The construction of the Chess House began in March 2026 on the initiative of the Stavropol Territory Chess Federation.