Canonization of Fallen Soldiers
The Russian Orthodox Church has initiated the process of canonizing military personnel killed during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In a church in the Pskov region, new icons have been placed featuring soldiers from Russia's 76th Guards Air Assault Division who died in the war against Ukraine in 2023. The regional governor, Mikhail Vedernikov, published a video showcasing these icons, which depict the combatants. This act of sainthood for soldiers is a significant development in the church's relationship with the state during the ongoing conflict.
Weapons Training for Youth in Church Halls
Separately, in the Moscow region, workshops for teenagers have been held demonstrating skills in handling Kalashnikov assault rifles. In a video that appeared online, youths in camouflage uniforms are seen rapidly disassembling and reassembling AK-74 rifles inside a church building. The training session took place in a hall used for religious services, against a backdrop of iconostases and church lamps. Clergy did not interfere with these weapons drills and even blessed the teenagers for the defense of their homeland. The Russian Orthodox Church has historically been closely aligned with the Russian state, but its direct involvement in military culture has intensified since 2022.
These two events highlight the church's active participation in matters related to the ongoing military events in Ukraine. The canonization of deceased soldiers and the organization of military workshops for youth demonstrate specific aspects of support for military actions from religious structures.
These developments underscore the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in shaping military culture and identity within the context of the modern conflict. The support for the military and the canonization of its members can significantly influence public sentiment, encouraging youth to join the army and participate actively in military actions. Such initiatives may also contribute to legitimizing the state's aggressive actions in the eyes of the population.