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Memorial plaque to commemorate Russian heroes of Paraguay unveiled in Asuncion

16.11.2008 · Архив 2005-2009, События  

On 15 November 2008, a memorial plaque to commemorate Russian heroes who had made an outstanding contribution to the development and defence of the country that had become their second Motherland was unveiled in the Church of the Assumption of the Mother of God in the capital of Paraguay.

Taking part in the ceremony were metropolitan Platon of Argentina and South America, Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York, archbishop Mark of Hust and Vinogradov, archbishop Pavel of Ryazan and Kasimov, Bishop Evtikhy of Domodedovo, bishop Joan of Caracas, ambassador of the Russian Federation in Paraguay Yu. Korchagin, and members of the delegations that arrived in Paraguay to take part in the Days of Russia.

The commander of the guard of honour of the Paraguayan Armed Forces greeter the Russian delegation on behalf of the state authorities. Military orchestra performed national anthems of both countries.

‘Our compatriots, who emigrated from Russia in the difficult 1920s, had become worthy citizens of Paraguay and defended their new Motherland. Many of them died in battle, and I am grateful to the government of Paraguay for cherishing memory of our compatriots who had given their lives for the freedom of this Latin American republic,’ Russian ambassador said.

Wraths from grateful Russia were set up in the church. The guard of honour saluted Russian military commanders who had fought for Paraguay in 1932-35. Many streets were named after them, and people held memory of them.

Metropolitan Platon of Argentina and South America and metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York celebrated a service in remembrance of General Ivan Belyaev, military commanders, soldiers and all Orthodox Christians who had died in Paraguay.

Singing during the service was the choir of the Moscow Sretensky Monastery. The service being over, metropolitan Platon thanked the Paraguayan authorities for commemorating Russian heroes who had died in battle for independence of the country. He believes it difficult to overestimate the contribution made by Russian people in general, and General Ivan Belyaev (1883-1957) in particular, to the development of well-being of Paraguay.

‘Amidst depravity and corruption I hoped to find a handful of heroes capable of maintaining and developing the qualities by which Russia has been founded. I believed they would be a helpful basis for the future when the fullness of times comes and when the agitated sea of revolution quiets down. We could not save Russia, but we have saved its honour.’ These words of General Belyaev were perceived on the day of memorial service as a bequest of the best representatives of Russian emigration to the reviving Russia.