A new church dedicated to St. Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles, was consecrated at the headquarters of the Russian National Guard (Rosgvardiya) in Russia's Oryol Region on the Feast of the Baptism of Rus', marking the beginning of liturgical life at the newly built military chapel.

Following the rite of lesser consecration, Metropolitan Tikhon of Oryol and Bolkhov celebrated the first Divine Liturgy in the church.

The service was attended by active-duty Rosgvardiya personnel, veterans, regional government officials, clergy, and benefactors who supported the construction of the church, according to the Oryol Diocese.

Addressing those gathered, Metropolitan Tikhon reflected on the significance of the Feast of the Baptism of Rus' and the legacy of St. Vladimir, whose acceptance of Christianity in 988 transformed the spiritual and cultural development of the Eastern Slavic lands.

He said the church, located within a military unit, is intended to serve as a place of prayer, spiritual support, and encouragement for servicemen, where they can find strength and remain faithful to their moral and spiritual ideals.

The consecration was intentionally held on July 28, when the Russian Orthodox Church commemorates St. Vladimir, the ruler traditionally credited with the Christianization of Kievan Rus'. The Baptism of Rus' is regarded as one of the defining events in the history of the region, shaping its religious, cultural, educational, and political development.

Following the festive Divine Liturgy, a presentation ceremony was held during which several Rosgvardiya personnel and individuals who contributed to the construction of the church received departmental awards from the Rosgvardiya administration of Oryol Region.