Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has expressed his gratitude to clergy members for their “selfless work” and spiritual support of participants in the country’s “special military operation.” The message of appreciation was published on the government’s official website on November 9.

“I want to thank you for your important and responsible mission. Your work is honorable and noble, deserving of respect and gratitude,” Mishustin said in his telegram.

According to the prime minister, members of the clergy have been carrying out significant social and humanitarian initiatives in the conflict zone — helping to rebuild destroyed homes, assisting families with children, caring for the seriously ill in hospitals, and offering spiritual comfort to those facing hardship. Mishustin emphasized that compassion and care shown by the clergy help people overcome illness and cope with difficult life circumstances.

The government statement came as church representatives continued their active work in the area of military operations. The Military Department of the Moscow Patriarchate reported that on November 5–6, Archpriest Yevgeny Chumachenko visited units of the Russian National Guard in the southern sector. The central event of his pastoral visit was the administration of church sacraments — after confession, 34 servicemen received Holy Communion. The priest also led prayers for victory and blessed a battle flag featuring the image of the Holy Mandylion, a traditional symbol meant to strengthen the spirit of Russian soldiers.

During his visit, Father Yevgeny consecrated 24 pieces of military equipment and 13 temporary accommodation sites. Each soldier received a cross, candles, and a patch bearing the image of the Virgin Mary. The ministry said the pastoral care extended to “all aspects of the soldiers’ lives” — from participation in religious rites to the blessing of military vehicles and encampments.

The following day, November 7, a similar mission took place in the Donetsk area. With the blessing of the chief military priest for the operation, Archpriest Dmitry Vasilenkov, Archpriest Svyatoslav Churkanov and Protodeacon Mikhail Mikhaylov visited one of the National Guard units. They held a prayer service for victory and a memorial service for fallen soldiers; nine servicemen took confession and communion.

To boost morale, the priests also distributed humanitarian aid, banners and icons, crosses, religious literature, and patches. The unit’s command presented the clergy with letters of gratitude for their service.

Earlier, on October 21, representatives of Russia’s three major religious denominations visited troops of the “Vostok” grouping. Metropolitan Dmitry of Chita and Petrovsk-Zabaykalsky conducted religious services, delivered a pastoral address, and provided spiritual support to the soldiers.

Photo: Military Department of the Moscow Patriarchate