A Russian soldier venerating the relics of Grand Prince St Aleksandr Nevsky
Moscow, 30 January 2008 (Interfax):
A military unit composed entirely of Orthodox believers was activated in Vladimir oblast. “I received my call to the colours whilst I was at the Optina Pustyn, I arrived here without knowing where to find it on the map. My spiritual father said that service to the motherland is compulsory for all Orthodox Christians”, stated Junior Sergeant Denis Fedorov in an interview with Vremya (Time) on the First Channel. Colonel Andrei Lopatin, the commander of the unit, testified that “there is no harassment in my unit, I shall not allow it. I find that believers make better soldiers than unbelievers”. A working monastery dedicated to St Zosima is part of the unit’s permanent base. The soldiers attend services regularly and they sing in the choir, which is led by Honoured Artist of Russia Leonid Pavlov. Mr Pavlov comes to the base every Saturday to hold rehearsals for the singers.
Editor’s Note:
There are two things I would like to add. Firstly, this is a creative approach to deal with the problem of dedovshchyna (literally, “rule of the grandfathers”). This is the pernicious practise of older conscripts bullying and humiliating their younger mates. If this works, it shall no doubt be extended further in the army. Secondly, it is a clever way of getting around the present lack of chaplains in the Russian forces. True, many units are now served by priests from the regions in which they are based. Unfortunately, such clergy also have parochial duties to attend to as well. In this case, the monks have the obedience of attending to the spiritual needs of the troops exclusively.
Think of it! A unit of Orthodox warriors ready to defend Faith and Motherland. Isn’t that INSPIRING? One can follow the Optina fathers (who honour sacrificial military duty) or one can be deluded by the “Orthodox Peace Fellowship” (who advocate shirking and draft-dodging). I know where I stand… what about you? 
Interfax-Religion
