Statement of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church on the restoration of the institute of chaplains in the Russian Army

The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church favours restoration of the institute of chaplains in the Russian Army. Our fathers, sons and brothers serve in the army now, as they had always done. We, Orthodox people, are concerned about their life and conditions of service. As they worthily serve their Motherland, they should not be denied the right to religious life of full value. Unfortunately, Russian laws lack a mechanism of realizing servicemen’s right to the freedom of religion.

Over centuries Russia has had a glorious tradition of spiritual caring for servicemen. During wars the clergymen encouraged soldiers, prayed for them and shared all burdens of military service with them. During peacetime they also encouraged soldiers and officers and strengthened their morale. Godless time had interrupted this tradition.

At present the institutes of chaplains exist in the armies of most countries of the world. There are special structures in the USA, Great Britain, FGR, France, Israel, India, Pakistan and other countries assisting religious life of servicemen. We note with appreciation that the Baltic countries and Armenia are going along the same way. Representatives of Ukraine and Georgia announced their willingness to introduce this institute.

Positive national and world experience has shown that the restoration of the institute of chaplains could yield benefit to the state and society. Clergymen of traditional for Russia religions could be involved today in spiritual, moral and patriotic education of servicemen. At the same time the army units should become a field for proselytism. Working in the army should be only those religious organizations whose members serve in it. We believe that active work of clergymen in the armed forces would help reduce cases of suicide and humiliation of dignity as well as other actions that violate the law.

The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church calls upon the state, society and all traditional religions of Russia to combine their efforts for the restoration of the institute of chaplains.