Personnel from the Territorial Defense Operational Command of the Joint Group of Forces (JGF), as well as conscripts from the Security and Service Battalion, visited the Starocherkassk Army Cathedral of Christ’s Resurrection. Since its foundation three hundred years ago, the cathedral has served as a spiritual center for the defenders of Russia’s southern borders. Until 1805, it was the main shrine of the Don Cossack Host, and today it remains a symbol of martial valor.

The guests began their introduction to the first stone church on the Don by prayerfully participating in the Divine Liturgy and receiving Holy Communion. With the blessing of the cathedral’s rector, archpriest Valery Voloshchuk, they were given a tour of the main spiritual and architectural landmark of the Starocherkasskaya stanitsa (Cossack village). The cathedral’s altar server, Vladimir Pavlovich, shared the glorious history of this “vow church” (obetny khram), its spiritual and cultural significance for the military, and its connection to the main cathedral of the Southern Military District. To conclude the visit, the guests were invited to lunch in the cathedral refectory.