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The dean of Ostrovets district organized a spiritual conversation with border guardstranslated

July 17, 2026 · 1 min read

On July 9, the dean of the Ostrovets district, Archpriest Georgy Savitsky, together with the doctor of the Ostrovets Central District Hospital, Elizaveta Sergeevna Rovba, as part of the celebration of the memory of the holy saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom, using the example of their lives, held a conversation about family with military personnel of the Losha border outpost.

The priest told the soldiers about the life and exploits of these saints and important components of the family - true love, fidelity and chastity.

After the priest's story, a gynecologist spoke. Elizaveta Sergeevna complemented the priest from a medical point of view, and also reminded him of the dangers of bad habits - smoking and drinking alcohol.

At the end of the conversation, the outpost commander presented Archpriest Georgy with a memorable gift for his many years of cooperation.

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Aleksandar Stojanović

It's good that Father Georgij didn't just talk about Peter and Fevronia, and even the doctor-gynecologist Rovba added about the health and wounds from smoking with alcohol. Soldatam éto přamo po parto. It's interesting how the guys themselves reacted to such a speech.

Petar Nikolić

I agree, what Dr. Rovba added about health and harm from cigarettes and alcohol was spot on for the border guards. I heard that the guys asked a lot afterwards about marriage and how to stay faithful when they are away from home. And you, have you been to a similar speech?

Jovan Savić

Yes, I was at a similar speech last year in the Post. Dr. Rovba connected things really well - the guys asked the most about how to stay faithful when they are away from home for months. The damage from cigarettes and alcohol, it seems to me, stayed in their heads longer than anything else. And you, Petre, what do you think, should such conversations be held more often with younger people who are just arriving at the border?

Miloš Marković

Yes, that was the most interesting thing for me too - how can a man remain faithful when he is at the border for months. Georgije explained beautifully on the example of Peter and Fevronia that loyalty is not only about the body but also about the heart. And did you hear how that speech ended, did the guys take anything concrete home after the conversation?

Marija Ristić

Yes, Miloš, faithfulness at a distance is exactly what Father Georgije explained best through their life. The boys later received icons of Peter and Fevronia, I heard from one of them. And have you ever been to a similar speech?

Vesna Đorđević

Yes, Dr. Rovba added very well about how cigarettes and alcohol spoil both the body and the will for the family. It is certainly not easy for guys on the border, especially when they are alone for months. And you, Petre, have you ever been to such a talk with the border guards?

Stefan Popović

Yes, Milos, exactly that about the heart and fidelity without physical proximity stayed in my head from Georgi's story. The guys ended up getting the icons, but also some practical advice from the doctor on how to stay away from cigars and booze while there. Have you ever tried to bake something special for your wife when you come back from a long absence?

Ana Stanković

Yes, Stefan, that very story about loyalty without closeness stuck in my mind - as if Georgije had adapted it just for the soldiers. When my husband comes back from the field, I usually bake a cheese and spinach pie, it's his favorite after a long absence. And you, have you tried something similar or do you stick to the classic barbecue?

Radmila Radovanović

Yes, Ana, that story about fidelity without closeness stuck in my head the most - as if Father Georgije knew exactly who he was talking to. After a long absence, I bake gibanica with walnuts for my son, it's his favorite. And you, do you make that pie with cheese and spinach according to some old recipe or did you perfect it yourself?

I wasn't at such a talk with the border guards, but I remember one time after the service in the church we talked with the guys from the army about the family. Dr. Rovba is right, those habits really quickly eat up both health and the desire for a home. Thanks for reminding me of that, Vesna.