“Heroes” of War, Priests, and Children With Rifles

Today, schools across Russia held ceremonial assemblies for Knowledge Day, the official start of the school year. In line with recent “tradition,” participants in the war against Ukraine were invited to speak at thousands of schools — now a standard part of the official program. Dressed in military uniforms, these “honored guests” addressed students as role models.

Alongside soldiers, Orthodox priests also appeared at school events. They sprinkled children with “holy water,” handed out icons, and offered blessings for academic success.

“Congratulated schoolchildren and teachers on the start of the school year. We held a prayer service before lessons. It’s nice to see smiles on the faces of children and teachers after being sprinkled with holy water. Wished everyone God's help and handed out laminated icons,” wrote the administration of the Church of St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki in Belgorod region.

And there was no shortage of weapons. Members of the youth military organization Yunarmiya attended assemblies in uniform, carrying rifles. Across the country, students took part in flower-laying ceremonies at monuments and memorials dedicated to soldiers who died in war