Over the past year, parishioners and volunteers from a local sewing workshop have sewn and sent thousands of necessary uniforms to the front, including unloading vests, pouches, stretchers, balaclavas, hats and karemats. This was stated in an interview with BFM-Novosibirsk by the rector of the church of the Blessed Prince Oleg of Bryansk, Priest John Kizyun-Voitovich.
Since the opening of the workshop, more than 13 thousand products have been manufactured and shipped. The story of one of the most active volunteers, a woman named Marshida, who professes Islam, gives a special meaning to this activity.
"She's a Muslim, and she comes and sews every day. She says, "Well, if it were in a mosque, I would go there, but since it's not... I come here," Father John said.
The rector of the church sees this as an example of interfaith unity and mutual respect, when people unite to help those in need, regardless of differences.
Father John also drew a parallel with history, recalling that the Russian Orthodox Church had actively supported the country's defense in the past, raising funds for the Dmitry Donskoy tank column during the Great Patriotic War.
"They didn't look at the power there... they helped people. It's the same now... We sew for those people, for those boys whom we have never seen... We are doing what we have to do," the priest said.
This story serves as a vivid example of the main theme of the upcoming family festival "Easter Palette" in Novosibirsk, which this year is dedicated to the friendship of peoples. The initiative highlights how joint good deeds blur boundaries and bring people together.