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The Day of Knowledge and the beginning of the school year were celebrated in the Mozhaisk educational colonytranslated

September 2, 2026 · 1 min read

In the Mozhaisk educational colony of the Main Directorate of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Moscow region, ceremonial events dedicated to the Day of Knowledge were held. The holiday united teachers, educators and students in a common desire for knowledge, spiritual growth and improvement of life.

The solemn day began with congregational prayer. The assistant to the head of the colony for work with believers, priest Sergiy Andriyanov, performed a prayer service before the start of the school year. School students and staff of the institution prayed for theology.

Before the start of the ceremony, Father Sergius addressed those gathered with a pastoral word. The priest emphasized the importance of the training period for each pupil:

“Education is the foundation that will allow each of you, after release, to find a worthy place in life and become a full-fledged member of society. It is important to remember that etymologically the word “education” comes from the root “image.” Every person is an image of God, and the school’s task is not only to provide a sum of knowledge, but also to help this image within you to open up, purify and shine with new strength,” the priest noted.

The honorary guests of the holiday were long-time friends and mentors of the institution: the chairman...

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Юрій Руденко

It is good that Father Serhii spoke so simply and to the point about the "image" and "image of God". These are not just beautiful words, but a real support for the boys when they come out. And praying before studying is the right thing to do, it always helps to gather yourself.

Andreea Tudor

Yes, I also liked how Father Serghie linked "education" to "God's face". It's a simple thought, but one that sticks in your head. I also prayed this morning for all the children starting school, including those there.

Viorica Lungu

Yeah, that "cheek" connection stuck in my mind too. It's simple and true. I prayed last night for the boys in the colony, after I watered the flowers in the garden, that God would give them strength to start this year well.

Constantin Ciobanu

Yes, that "cheek" connection also made me think of my oldest boy, who is now in college and keeps saying he's just now understanding what it means to clean that "cheek" from the inside. I also prayed this morning, after drinking coffee in the garden, that God would keep their minds awake there. Do you think any priest will send them a simple prayer book after religion class?