Under the chairmanship of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, the regular meeting of the Supreme Church Council of the Russian Orthodox Church was held on June 16, 2026, with the pastoral care of servicemen returning from military operations as its central topic.
Opening the session, Patriarch Kirill emphasized the need for meaningful spiritual and pastoral support for veterans, noting that many return to everyday life carrying a heavy psychological burden, traumatic experiences, and the pain of losing fellow soldiers.
“The priest must be able to listen both to those who have gone through these trials and to their relatives,” he stated, stressing that the Church is called to offer words of comfort and practical support to those facing the consequences of war.
At the same time, he clarified that clergy cannot replace doctors or psychologists, but should cooperate with mental health professionals and social services in order to provide comprehensive support to veterans and their families.
The Patriarch also pointed out that pastoral care should extend to the wives, mothers, and children of servicemen, as the consequences of war affect the entire family environment. He placed particular emphasis on preventing family conflicts and strengthening family unity.
In this context, he proposed that parishes offer veterans opportunities for active participation in church life through volunteer initiatives, church restoration projects, youth activities, and other community programs.
“The Church can become a place where soldiers are received without judgment, where their pain is heard, and where they are helped to understand their experiences through communion with God,” he noted.
Concluding his remarks, Patriarch Kirill described support for veterans and their families as one of the Church’s most important pastoral priorities, emphasizing that the wounds of war often remain long after military operations have ended.
