For this purpose, we guide you with prayer and signs of faith.
The ancient strong prayer book for Russia, our reverend father Sergius, abbot of Radonezh, wonderworker of all Russia, blessed the once victorious war against the oppressors of Russia. His image walked with our regiments under Tsar Alexei, under Peter I and, finally, under Alexander I during the great battle against twelve nations. The image of St. Sergius also accompanies you, as a sign of his promoting, protecting, and strong prayers before God for you. Take also and have with you the military and victorious word of the king and prophet David: In God is my salvation and my glory (Ps. 62:8).
Conclusion
Wandering Israel needed a military structure, because along the way it met enemies and had to acquire the Promised Land with weapons. Therefore, when the tabernacle of meeting together with the entire camp was raised on the march, Moses uttered a military prayer: Arise, O Lord, and Thy enemies will scatter (Num. 10:35). In front of the essential shrine of this church, in front of the Irk of the Covenant of God, Israel went to battle against the Midianites and destroyed them all, without losing a single warrior. In front of the same shrine of the church, the Jordan dried up to open the way for Israel to conquer the Promised Land. In front of this shrine of the church, the walls of besieged Jericho and thirty kings of Palestine fell. This was the case when Israel was faithful to the holiness of the Lord.
Let us extract from these ancient legislative orders and the acts and events that followed them the thoughts and rules that are contained in them and which we now need. The warrior and army of the people of God received education and guidance through the protection and beckons of God.
Wouldn’t it be pleasant for the militant Russian to see from this that he walks within the immutable limits of the fathers, that he holds the tradition rightfully inherited from deep and sacred antiquity, when he has, honors and diligently visits the temple of God among his regiments and military institutions, when he goes to battle under the banner consecrated by the Church, under the shadow of the Life-giving Cross of Christ, when the object and purpose of his title is determined by the duty to strive for the faith, people and the Fatherland, when they place faith and trust in God as the basis of their courage, victories and invincibility?
And for the non-militant sons of the Fatherland, isn’t it comforting to know that the title intended to stand guard over state security, ensuring this security through courage, loyalty and military education, has the deepest foundation of firmness and security for itself and for us, in the hopeful image of the ancient people of God, in faith and trust in God and, accordingly, in the almighty protection of God’s Providence?
God of peace and Lord of hosts, Lord mighty and mighty, Lord mighty in battle, to overthrow those who rebel against Thy peace, bless Thy people with peace and, if it is not too late to appeal to Thy invincible patience, establish and prolong the peace of the world. But let not the sons of enmity and iniquity arise and prevail; Give also strength to Your people, just as Your chosen people of old, like our fathers; and Your Spirit will continue to walk in our armies; may the sons of Russia take up arms before You, Lord, calling upon You with faith, prayer, hope, may they walk before Your face, in the light of Your commandments and Your Law.