Any Christian's work, and even more so the military service of the defender of the Fatherland, should begin with prayer and blessing. For an Orthodox warrior, prayer is a powerful spiritual weapon. Neglecting prayer means going out on a responsible mission unarmed. 

In Kemerovo, the staff of the Rosgvardiya extra-departmental security is well aware of this. Before joining the service, the staff met with Archpriest Georgy Yakin, head of the diocesan Department for Cooperation with the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies. The priest performed the rite of consecration of official vehicles and gave the soldiers a pastoral blessing. In his address, Father George emphasized that serving law and order requires not only professional skills, but also special fortitude, loyalty to duty and sacrifice.

"It is important for a warrior and defender of law and order to feel spiritual support. This gives confidence in the rightness of one's work and reminds of the high responsibility before God and people that the oath imposes," said the head of the department.

Spiritual support is especially important these days, there are Epiphany celebrations. On the night of January 18-19, the Russian guardsmen performed intensive service at the Baptismal font sites. While thousands of people performed ablution, the fighters ensured their safety and order.