Reports indicate that the Russian army stationed in Ukraine’s conflict zone requires 1300 priests to meet their spiritual needs. Metropolitan Kirill of Stavropol and Nevinnomyssk, head of the Synodal Department for Cooperation with the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement, highlighted this on the “Russia-24” channel.
Currently, only 309 military clergy members are serving, with a significant portion being volunteers. The Metropolitan emphasized the urgent need for more priests to support the troops.
In a bid to address the shortage, the Russian Orthodox Church is working closely with the Ministry of Defense. Metropolitan Kirill expressed optimism that the issue will be resolved promptly. Tragically, six priests have lost their lives in the conflict, while eight others have been injured.
Last year, Priest Ilya Gavryshkiv from Tver region’s Prophhet Elijah Church faced backlash for advocating peace in a video message to his congregation.
Article from theins.ru