Pilgrimages and special shifts provide an opportunity for soldiers and their loved ones to recover and gain spiritual guidance. In 2025, the branches of the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation held similar events for 15,000 special operation veterans and their family members who represent different faiths, the press service of the Defenders of the Fatherland State Foundation reported on the Telegram channel.
"Psychological and spiritual support for special operation veterans and their loved ones is one of the important activities of the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation. If employment centers help with work, and medical institutions help with treatment, then here we are talking about gaining support, self—confidence and self-reliance. We will continue this work," said Anna Tsivileva, Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation.
The third pilgrimage trip is being held in Pskov. In 2025, the first pilgrimage center in Russia for special operation veterans and their family members was opened at the Holy Dormition Pskov-Pechersk Monastery. During the program, visitors visit temples and holy places, learn about their history, traditions and culture.
In 2025, the center will host 14 shifts. More than 500 SVO heroes and their family members will participate in them.
The establishment of the center was an important step in the development of a system of spiritual and psychological support for the defenders of the Fatherland and their loved ones. The organizers emphasize that such a format is in demand among veterans and their loved ones. In this regard, pilgrimage centers will be established in other regions of the Russian Federation.
Together with the Synodal Department of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Pilgrimage Center of the Moscow Patriarchate, pilgrimage routes have been thought out. Diveevo, Chersonesos, Optina Pustyn, Alexander Nevsky Lavra, Pskov-Pechora Lavra and Trinity-Sergius Lavra were chosen.