Bryansk, January 10, 2025.
During the days of the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, with the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Bryansk and Sevsky, head of the diocesan department for cooperation with the State Department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia in the Bryansk region, Priest Ioann Vykhovanets, Priest Ioann Travinichev, dean of the Vygonichi church district, and Priest Sergius Tsybin, rector of the church in honor of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God in the village of Aleshenka, made a regular trip to the border zone of the North-Eastern Federal District, according to the website of the diocese.
The priests visited several strongholds, each of which delivered a Christmas treats and food donated by parishioners of the Church in the Name of the Holy Trinity (Bezhichi) and St. Nicholas Church in the village of Vygonichi, sweet gifts provided by the management of the Main Department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia in the Bryansk region, and warm knitted socks donated by parishioners of the Bryansk Cathedral. The defenders expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all those who cared for their support and attention.
During the trip, the priests visited the first border line, where soldiers are under constant strain of physical and moral strength, exposed to danger every minute. At such positions the soldiers especially need spiritual support and are always glad to see the arrival of the clergy. At the request of the tank unit servicemen a thanksgiving service was held, three servicemen received the sacrament of Baptism. "Thank God, we prayed together with the guys, communicated in person, had general discussions. It is felt that they became more cheerful, which of course is good for us, because on the bright holiday of Christmas we want everyone to feel joy and know that they are not alone. And that is why we Orthodox Christians should try to spend the days of Christmas Eve in works of mercy and helping our neighbors, sharing each other's burdens as much as possible," - noted Priest John Vykhovanets.
