A priest performed funeral services for the 104th Airborne Division.translated

On November 6 and 7, funeral services were held in the military church in the name of the holy prophet of God Elijah on the territory of the 104th Guards Airborne Division of the Airborne Forces in Ulyanovsk.

On the eve of Dimitrievskaya Parental Saturday, the head of the Simbirsk diocese department for interaction with the armed forces of the Russian Defense Ministry, Archpriest Sergius Kichigin, performed the evening funeral service - parastas. On the day of remembrance itself, the priest served the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. At the end of the Liturgy, a memorial service was held in the church for the deceased paratroopers who gave their lives in the performance of military duty, and for all the deceased Orthodox Christians.

At the end of the services, Father Sergius addressed the parishioners and military personnel with a sermon. The priest spoke about the meaning of Christian and military obedience, as well as sacrificial love.

— “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). This is what the Lord tells us in the Holy Scriptures about mercy and love for neighbors,” noted Father Sergius.