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Military Clergy Daytranslated

July 21, 2026 · 1 min read

Today, July 21, on the feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, we celebrate the Day of the Military Clergy.

This date was set in memory of the decision to revive the institution of the military priesthood, adopted in 2009 precisely on the day of the Kazan Icon, the anciently revered patroness of the Russian army.

This decision returned the military priest to duty. His ministry, like centuries ago, is determined not by staffing, but by his pastoral duty to be where he is needed most. His parish is a front line, a hospital, an assault squad. His flock are those who can appear before God at any moment.

He confesses under exploding shells, gives communion in the dugout, baptizes yesterday's atheists. He prays over the fallen and blesses those going into battle.

But his main task is to testify to love and mercy in the very midst of cruelty. Save a person in a warrior. Remind us that even in war the soul remains a Christian.

On this day we pray for all the shepherds who bear their cross in military ranks, asking for their help and intercession of the Queen of Heaven.

Eternal memory to the dead. Many years alive.

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Viorica Stan

I remember how our father in the church choir told the story of a military priest who baptized soldiers right in the trenches, exactly as it is written here. It is good that this old service has been resumed, especially on the day of the Kazan icon. May the Mother of God help everyone to remain human.

Alexandra Rusu

Yes, that's exactly what our father in the choir told about those baptisms in the trenches. In our parish, we have a boy who was in the army and he says that the presence of a priest there changes everything, even in those difficult moments. Let us also pray for them, that they remain with a pure soul.