ORTHODOX HOUSE
⛪ All churches
Sign in
☾
☦ Today Wednesday, September 30 / September 17 (old style) ✦ Fast day Gregorian calendar ⇄
Hieromartyr Gregory of Armenia · Ven. Gregory of Vologda
← News feed Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)

Murder is a sin. How to Serve?translated

September 29, 2026 · 1 min read

Reader's Question:

Greetings. Murder is a great sin, even in war, though it may be for the defense of people. But if they conscript me into the army and such a task is required, I probably wouldn't be able to do it. I have never had such a character trait, such firmness. But what if I am forced to fight, and I cannot carry out such an order? How can I live after that? I want to serve, but how to overcome such fear?

Mikhail

Answer by the Priest:

Father Evgeny Chebykin

Greetings, Mikhail.

Yes, you are correct: in our turbulent times, practically any Russian man may be conscripted into the Armed Forces.

I am not deeply involved in this topic, but there are different types of military units. In some, soldiers do not directly participate in combat and perform other tasks.

If you are indeed required to fulfill your military duty, find out how to join such units. But as much as possible, I cannot say more on the matter.

Try to regularly attend divine services, confess, receive communion, read spiritual books, and do good deeds.

May God help you.

Also read:

WHAT DID THE ARMY GIVE ME?

To Whom Should One Pray for Those in the Army?

Christianity and Pacifism. 11 Questions about the Church and War...

Source: Журнал ФОМА  ·  Read the full story →
⚑ Report
💬 Comments (2) 🌐 Show original
Р
Румяна Петрова
Michael, you write that you don't have such firmness of character. I have two sons-in-law; one was in the military in the 90s and he said the same thing – that he couldn't shoot a person. They then placed him in the kitchen and in storage, and so he served out his duty. Maybe this option could be available for you as well, without having to struggle beforehand.
В
Васил Костов
Михаил, Румяна Петрова точно казва – моят братовчед също беше такъв, мек човек, не можеше и мравка да смачка. They sent him to the kitchen of the unit and the whole service passed without firing a shot. If they take you, ask immediately for rear parts or supplies. May God give you reason.
Sign in to join the conversation →
More stories
The program of the stay in Lebanon of the delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church led by Metropolitan Alexy of Chelyabinsk and Miass has ended
Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) · September 30, 2026
Metropolitan Alexy congratulated the commander of the 23rd special forces detachment of the National Guard "Obereg" on his professional holiday
Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) · September 30, 2026
Events of the diocese
Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) · September 30, 2026
Metropolitan Alexy congratulated the employees of the Office of the Russian Guard in the Chelyabinsk region on this significant date
Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) · September 30, 2026
🔑Sign in 📖Prayer Book 🕊Live Prayer 📨Submit news 👥Friends 💬Groups ⛪My parish 🕯Virtual church 🙏Prayers by agreement 🗓Calendar ☦Lives of the Saints ✏️Catechesis 📚Library ⚖Canons 📜Holy Scripture 🧭Map of Orthodoxy ✅Test yourself 🔔Notifications ➕My subscriptions 🛍Store 💬Support