“Heaven and feat: how Kirov celebrated Airborne Forces Day and honored the memory of the defenders of the Fatherland”translated

On August 2, 2026, an event dedicated to the Day of Formation of the Russian Airborne Forces was held at the regional philharmonic in Kirov. This date is special not only for the military, but also for believers: in the Orthodox calendar, August 2 is the day of remembrance of the Prophet Elijah. The combination of military and spiritual traditions gives the holiday a special meaning, and the Kirov celebration became a clear example of such unity. The event brought together those for whom the motto “Nobody but us” is not just words: veterans and active paratroopers, representatives of the “Combat Brotherhood”, family members of fallen soldiers, as well as young people - students of cadet classes and military-patriotic clubs. The governor of the Kirov region Alexander Sokolov, the head of the administration of the regional center Vyacheslav Simakov, from the Vyatka diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church - the head of the diocesan department for interaction with the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies, the rector of the Church of Panteleimon the Healer, priest Alexander Kossov, addressed the audience.

The spiritual and civil speech here were not opposed, but complemented each other: it was about duty, memory and responsibility to the Motherland. The event was opened by the Chairman of the Board...