Archpriest Dimitri Vasilenkov, the chief military priest in the military training area, addressed the participants of the training course "The Path of the Archangel" with pastoral parting words. 

Addressing those who are preparing to bear the heavy cross of defending the Fatherland, Father Dimitri recalled the dual nature of military duty. A man who takes up arms engages in two battles simultaneously: a visible one, on the battlefield, and an invisible one, taking place in his own soul.

It is no coincidence that the course bears the name of the leader of the Heavenly Host, Archangel Michael. This name obliges to a lot. The Shepherd reminds us again and again: the main battle is being waged against the spirits of the malice of the celestial Empire. If a person is unable to overcome his own passions, discouragement and cowardice, he will be powerless in the face of an external enemy. A true soldier of Christ is one who first establishes spiritual order in his heart, learns to trust in God, and only then goes to crush the enemy.

This manual lays the foundation for real military training. Mastering tactics, medicine, and weapons remains a dead knowledge without a solid spiritual core. It is only by combining martial prowess with prayer and a clear conscience that a soldier becomes part of that invincible army against which all darkness is shattered.