Russian military personnel have opened an Orthodox church in the area of their

A unique Orthodox dugout church was opened by military personnel of the Center group of forces in the rear area of the special military operation (SVO). This was announced on Sunday, April 6, by the Russian Ministry of Defense.

A unique Orthodox church dedicated to the Holy Prince Dmitry Donskoy has been opened in the area of the special operation's rear. It was erected in a deep dugout by military personnel of the logistics support unit of the Center group of forces with the support of the command and clergy of the Central Military District.

In modern combat conditions, field tent temples are not safe enough, so it was decided to build an underground temple.

The peculiarity of the structure is that it has an internal dome, created by the military in difficult field conditions. The temple is equipped with an altar and other necessary elements of a full—fledged church, and its capacity is about one hundred people. The temple will be open around the clock for believers.

The consecration and opening ceremony was attended by Priest Evgeny Tsiklauri, Assistant to the Deputy Minister of Defense for Logistics, Archpriest Andrey Kanev, Assistant to the Commander of the Central Military District, representatives of the clergy of the Center group of forces, as well as military personnel and command staff.

"We have opened such a wonderful temple on the territory of our deployment, where we can come to light a candle and open our soul before completing a combat mission or after <...>. It is very necessary, it is very good that there is such a temple," said David Givarkyan, deputy commander of the assault company for military and political work.

The new church will contribute to the spiritual support of the soldiers, giving military believers the opportunity to pray and participate in worship services.

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