The Russian Orthodox Church and the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation are strengthening their cooperation to provide spiritual, social, and practical support to veterans of the special military operation (SMO) and their families, with a particular focus on rehabilitation, community engagement, and volunteer initiatives.

The Patriarchal Humanitarian Mission presented several of its assistance programs during a nationwide videoconference chaired by Yuri Khabrov, Executive Director of the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation. The meeting brought together heads of the foundation’s regional branches from across Russia.

Among the key speakers was Deacon Igor Kulikov, Director of the Patriarchal Humanitarian Mission, who introduced a new handbook titled “Return: Spiritual and Practical Aspects of Assisting SMO Participants and Their Loved Ones.” The publication was developed for clergy and focuses on providing spiritual care to servicemen undergoing rehabilitation after returning home or receiving treatment in hospitals, as well as support for their families.

The guide is also intended for nurses of mercy, social workers, and Orthodox psychologists involved in assisting veterans and their relatives.

A major topic of discussion was the mission’s volunteer-led housing restoration program in Donbas, which helps repair homes belonging to elderly, isolated, and vulnerable residents. Veterans of the special military operation are among the volunteers participating in the initiative.

According to Deacon Kulikov, volunteers from the Patriarchal Humanitarian Mission have been helping restore homes in Mariupol, Donetsk, Avdiivka, Volnovakha, and other cities since 2023. Nearly 800 houses have been repaired during that period.

“Many veterans note that taking part in these trips helps them overcome personal challenges, adapt to civilian life, and regain a sense of purpose through helping others,” Kulikov said.

Svetlana Grokhotova, adviser to the chairman of the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation, reported that volunteers from the Patriarchal Humanitarian Mission are currently involved in renovation work at the foundation’s Donetsk branch. She also highlighted successful cooperation between the Russian Orthodox Church and the foundation in various regions of the country.

Summarizing the meeting, Khabrov stressed the importance of further expanding cooperation between the foundation and the Russian Orthodox Church. He said efforts would be made in the near future to improve awareness among veterans and their family members about the programs and assistance offered by the Patriarchal Humanitarian Mission.

The Russian Orthodox Church has been providing humanitarian assistance to residents of Donbas and Russia’s border regions since February 2022. According to church figures, 12 church-run aid centers are currently operating and have handled more than 406,000 requests for assistance.

The Church reports that more than 4,300 tons of humanitarian supplies have been distributed to those in need, while over 7,400 volunteers have participated in relief efforts. The Patriarchal Humanitarian Mission coordinates the Church’s social and humanitarian work in areas affected by the conflict.

Church and foundation representatives said continued collaboration would help strengthen support systems for veterans, facilitate their reintegration into civilian life, and expand assistance to communities affected by the ongoing conflict.