Orthodox chapel damaged by explosion in Smolensk region

The chapel dedicated to the Smolensk icon of the Mother of God called ‘Hodegetria’ located on the Field of Memory near the village of Krasny Kholm, Vyazma district, Smolensk region was blown up at 10.30 p.m. on 14 November 2005. The chapel was consecrated on 12 August 2005.

An explosive was planted in the east part of the building. The explosion destroyed walls, roof and floor of the chapel and damaged the nearby buildings.

Working on the site are experts, executives and investigators of the Smolensk region Federal Security Service and militia.

Fierce battle fought by soldiers and commanders of the 16^th, 19^th and 20^th armies of the west front, and 24^th and 32^nd armies of the reserve front near Vyazma in October 1941 will remain in people’s memory as a symbol of self-sacrifice and love of homeland. One million and two hundred thousand soldiers are buried on the Field of Memory. Buried there every year are the newly found remains of the fallen heroes of the Great Patriotic War resting near to those of their comrades-in-arms.

During the Patriotic war of 1812 the Russian Army passed Krasny Kholm (Red Hill) while pressing back the Napoleon Army.

Thousands of people come here to pay their homage to people who by their exploit in the Great Patriotic War sacrificed their lives for the lives of future generations.

The chapel built on the Field of Memory was consecrated in the name of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God on 12 August 2005 and blown up three months later.

Who is to blame for a heinous crime against God’s and human laws? Against whom the explosion on the Field of Memory was targeted? Against God’s house, or the church builders and benefactors, or against our common memory and our history?

Our society and our believers expect answers to these questions.