66-year-old Archpriest of the Russian Orthodox Church Nikolai Kotelnikov was brutally murdered in Dagestan. The militants brutally cut the throat of an elderly man and continued their outrages. The clergy were described as a sympathetic and benevolent person.
For more than 40 years, the archpriest served in the church of Derbent. And on June 23, 2024, the militants came to him. The targets of the terrorists remain unknown. The attackers broke into the church and killed not only Nicholas, but also the guard, who was armed only with a gas pistol.
Father Nikolai regularly participated in interfaith and anti-terrorist forums. 
"Heavy news is coming from Makhachkala and Derbent. Attacks on an Orthodox church and a synagogue. An elderly priest of the Russian Orthodox Church, Archpriest Nikolai Kotelnikov, who served at the altar of God for more than 40 years, was brutally murdered," Vladimir Legoyda, head of the Synodal Department for Church Relations with Society and the Media, a member of the Public Chamber, wrote in his telegram channel.
According to Legoyda, this action is nothing but "barbarism and fanaticism." Temples of any religion should be a place where people can safely turn to God, without fear of being attacked.
"The clergy of the Makhachkala diocese will provide the victims and relatives of the victims with prayer and any other assistance that they can," Vladimir Legoyda writes.
Nikolai is survived by three children and six grandchildren. 
Residents of Derbent spoke extremely positively about Nikolai. He never refused to help those in need, not only the Orthodox, but also those who profess another religion. The priest spent his free time with his family. Orthodox cities believe that with the arrival of Father Nicholas, the life of Christians in the city has improved markedly.
"His Holiness the Patriarch and the entire Russian Church pray for the repose of Father Nikolai Kotelnikov and other victims, as well as for the speedy recovery of the wounded," Vladimir Legoyda wrote.