His Holiness Patriarch Alexy lays a wreath on the Unknown Soldier’s Tomb

On the eve of the Victory Day, 8 May 2006, His Holiness Patriarch Alexy laid a wreath on the Unknown Soldier’s Tomb. The memorial ceremony was also attended by hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church, Moscow clergy, war veterans, and scouts.

The Memory Eternal prayer was said for the heroes killed in action during the Great Patriotic War and the Guard of Honor Squadron marched in front of the Memorial.

Speaking to the service people of the Moscow Garrison, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church congratulated them on the anniversary of the Great Victory. ‘You are successors of the Great Patriotic War’s soldiers, our fathers and grand fathers, who was defending holy borders of our Fatherland during those severe years. We should remember the great feats they made for the sake of saving the country and our nation. The Victory Day is a feast that unites us all’, he said.

Answering some questions from the media, His Holiness stressed that war is always a national tragedy, but it is during times of trouble that active, selfless love for one’s motherland is manifested. ‘During the Great Patriotic War our people fully showed an example of faithful, loyal serving their motherland, laying down their lives for their neighbors’, His Holiness Alexy said.