On Holy Thursday, Metropolitan Georgy of Nizhny Novgorod and Arzamas led a special Easter blessing ceremony at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, consecrating traditional Easter cakes (kulichi) destined for soldiers of the Nizhny Novgorod garrison currently deployed in the zone of the special military operation.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the Metropolitan addressed those gathered, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the gesture:
"Today, Easter cakes from the faithful of the Nizhny Novgorod diocese are being sent to our defenders. This is our way of congratulating them on the Resurrection of Christ. I believe the letters from our young people will warm their hearts and lift their spirits. We are praying for our servicemen — for their lives, health, safe return, and for peace to come soon," he said.

The ceremony was attended by clergy of the Nizhny Novgorod Diocese, including Archpriest Sergiy Matveev, secretary of the diocesan administration, and Archpriest Alexander Malafeyev, head of the military liaison department. Soldiers and cadets from the Sormovo Orthodox Gymnasium’s youth club were also present.

According to the diocese’s website, 6,000 Easter cakes baked at the Sormovo Bread Factory and around 2,000 letters and drawings by children from Orthodox schools are being sent to the front. Many of the messages were crafted in the style of wartime soldier’s triangle letters, reminiscent of those used during the Great Patriotic War.

Also included in the shipment are portable icon paintings on canvas, which will be used to furnish a makeshift chapel in the Lugansk People’s Republic. These foldable canvases are designed for easy transport and use in field conditions.