On September 16, 2026, Metropolitan Gregory of the Resurrection, the administrator of the affairs of the Moscow Patriarchate, the vicar of the Novospassky Stavropol Monastery in Moscow, performed the minor consecration of the church in honor of the icon of the Mother of God "Burning Bush" at the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia in Moscow and led the Divine Liturgy in the newly consecrated church.
His Eminence was accompanied by Protopresbyter Vladimir Divakov, Secretary of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia for Moscow, Priest Vasily Bakulin, rector of the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the Graves of Moscow, and Archpriest Mikhail Krutin, responsible for divine services at the church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Burning Bush".
The service was attended by the leadership of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia in Moscow, headed by the chief, Lieutenant General V.S. Uvarkin, and personnel of the fire and rescue units of the capital.
At the end of the Liturgy, the Blessed Virgin was glorified in front of Her icon "Burning Bush", which firefighters and rescuers consider their Heavenly Patroness.
Metropolitan Gregory conveyed to the audience the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and addressed them with an archpastoral address.
At the end of the service, the personnel of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia in Moscow lined up on the parade ground. In his address, Metropolitan Gregory noted the special importance of their ministry in helping people in emergency situations.
"Our ancestors have been praying in front of this icon since ancient times, and we also pray that the Lord will save us from fire and various kinds of elements. On this day, we ask the Lord in a special way to strengthen those who serve as firefighters and provide assistance to people. Your work requires not only professionalism, but also courage, determination, perseverance and a special state of mind. We pray for you and your loved ones, and the renovated church is always open to anyone who seeks spiritual support," said Metropolitan Gregory.
Metropolitan Gregory presented the Order of the Blessed Prince Daniel of Moscow to Lieutenant General V.S. Uvarkin for his help in improving the church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Burning Bush." V.S. Uvarkin thanked His Holiness Patriarch Kirill for his help and concern for the staff of the department, and Metropolitan Gregory for the consecration of the temple and prayers.
The clergy were also awarded departmental awards: the medal of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations "For Cooperation in the Name of Salvation" was awarded to Priest Vasily Bakulin, Archpriest Mikhail Krutin was awarded the gratitude of the Head of the Main Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations in Moscow.
At the end, flowers were laid at the monument to Moscow firefighters and rescuers who died in the line of duty.