Metropolitan Kirill of Stavropol and Nevinnomyssk, Chairman of the Synodal Department for Cooperation with the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies, Chairman of the Synodal Committee for Cooperation with the Cossacks, met with Alexei Vereshchagin, commander of the volunteer brigade named after St. Alexander Nevsky.
During the meeting, the commander handed over to the archpastor the badge of honor of the brigade of the Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky. Presenting the award, Alexey Vereshchagin emphasized that this is a "no swords" sign intended for those who fight with the army, but do not take up arms, providing spiritual and active assistance to the front and the entire Russian world.
"Vladyka, it is not the first year that you have been assigned to a very responsible ministry. Please accept this as a sign of our deep respect," Alexey Vereshchagin said.
In response, Metropolitan Kirill honored the brigade commander with a high award from the Synodal Department. Vladyka presented the insignia of Archangel Michael of the third degree, drawing attention to the symbolism of the fiery swords, marking the irreconcilable struggle against evil.
The Chairman of the Synodal Department emphasized the global nature of the current confrontation:
"This is a huge biography of a war not only with weapons in hand, but an ideological war, a war against Nazism, a war against Satan himself. May the Lord keep you and your fighters safe and grant you Victory."
Laying down the award, Metropolitan Kirill proclaimed: "Axios!". At the end of the meeting, His Eminence gave the archpastoral blessing to the commander and all the personnel of the brigade for further efforts to protect the Fatherland.