For the first time, servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces equipped a dugout for fighters of three different faiths

On March 19, Russian military personnel (RF Armed Forces) of the Center group of forces equipped for the first time a dugout with separate prayer rooms for military personnel who profess three different religions — Orthodoxy, Islam and Buddhism.

Previously, there was no practice of spiritual work with fighters in Russia. Thus, according to Dmitry Astrakhan, a military correspondent for Izvestia, units in the Russian Empire were formed on national and religious grounds, but there was no such assistance in the Soviet Army.

"This is, as far as I know, the first time. Our commander is a religious man and paid special attention to this area of work with military personnel, even insisted on it. With God's help, everything worked out for us. Every serviceman, regardless of religion, needs a place for solitude and spiritual support. This is why this point was created," said Major Dmitry Turomshin, deputy commander of the battalion for military and political work.

The "Point of work with religious servicemen" was created on the initiative of the command. The rooms are already illuminated according to all religious traditions of the three faiths.

According to the senior priest of the mobile group, Archpriest John Kovalev, despite the difference in religion, Russian military personnel have common values, which is facilitated by the clergy of the three religions represented.

"It is important that while remaining faithful to church canons and our traditions, we do not forget that we have a common Homeland, to which we are also devoted, which we love and which unites us," Kovalev said.

There are Orthodox and Buddhist clergy, as well as Muslim imams, within the framework of the "points of work with religious servicemen." They can travel to military units, hospitals and liberated settlements to carry out spiritual work.

"I conduct both individual and group conversations. Military personnel of different nationalities are present during the prayers. But when I read the prayer service, everyone can be there, no matter what nationality the soldiers are, I wish them all the best and I read the hural," said Buddhist cleric Lama Bady-Shuluun Bavuu.

Nail Aminov, the imam Akhund, spoke about the importance of spiritual help.

"A lot of people are now turning to God, to Allah, on our day, asking for health, first of all, to themselves, of course, to their relatives. <...> and, of course, to return home alive and well with a victory. It feels like people sincerely believe in the Almighty Creator of our world," Aminov added.

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Military personnel of the 44th Army Corps of the North group of forces opened a temple in the Kharkov direction on July 1, 2025. It is noted that more and more temples were opened in the locations of the fighters. There they can retire, pray to God and chat with the priest after the service.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.