""Defender"" military-patriotic shift took place on the territory of the children's educational camp "Rubezh" of the All-Russian Children's Center "Smena" (Anapa). 

With the blessing of Metropolitan Kirill of Stavropol and Nevinnomyssk, Chairman of the Synodal Department for Interaction with the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies, Priest Alexander Palaznik, head of the sector of the Synodal Department for Interaction with the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies, took part in the celebrations and spiritual care for the shift participants.

The opening ceremony began with the formation of cadets, the solemn raising of the National Flag and the performance of the anthem of the Russian Federation. 
Immediately after the conclusion of the solemn part, the clergy performed a prayer service for the beginning of a good deed. The service was led by Priest Alexander Palaznik, co-served by Archpriest Konstantin Skripnichenko, cleric of the Church of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir. The pastors sprinkled holy water on the young cadets and presented each with memorable shrines — crosses and icons.

After the prayer, a meaningful dialogue between the clergy and the students took place. Father Alexander addressed the children with a pastoral address, revealing the importance of traditional spiritual and moral values and the institution of the family in the life of the defender of the Fatherland. In the historical part of the conversation, the priest reminded the cadets about the Baptism of Rus and the exploits of the great Russian commanders who were canonized. In turn, the students of the center showed a keen interest in spiritual culture, sharing which Orthodox prayers they keep in their memory.

The "Defender of the Fatherland" program is being implemented with the support of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation.