Memorial Day of Demetrius of Solunsky in the 104th Airborne Divisiontranslated

On November 7 and 8, services were held in the military church of the Holy Prophet Elijah on the territory of the 104th Guards Airborne Division of the Airborne Forces in Ulyanovsk.

On November 7, the head of the Simbirsk diocese department for interaction with the armed forces, Archpriest Sergius Kichigin, held an all-night vigil.

On November 8, on the day of remembrance of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica, the priest celebrated the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. On this day, conscripts, after the Sacrament of Confession, began to receive the Holy Mysteries of Christ.

At the end of the service, Father Sergius addressed the parishioners and soldiers with a sermon.

“He who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13), the priest reminded the military personnel. — As St. Seraphim of Sarov bequeathed to us: “Acquire a peaceful spirit, and thousands will be saved near you.”

The Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica is revered in the Russian Orthodox Church as one of the patrons of the Russian army. On his memorial day, November 8, soldiers traditionally begin the Sacraments of Confession and Communion.