Putin hails Russian soldiers as God’s ‘missionaries’ during a fiery Orthodox Christmas message, using religious symbolism to frame Russia’s military campaign as a sacred duty. Speaking during Orthodox Christmas celebrations near Moscow, President Vladimir Putin praised Russian troops as fulfilling a mission he described as divinely entrusted to defend the nation.
The remarks came during both his official Christmas address and a public appearance at a church service, where Putin highlighted the role of faith, patriotism, and national unity amid Russia’s ongoing “special military operations.”
Orthodox Christmas Message Blends Faith and Patriotism
In his official statement, Putin said Orthodox Christmas “illuminates the world with the light of kindness and love.” He praised the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations for what he called their unique contribution to preserving Russia’s historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage.
Putin credited religious institutions with shaping the patriotic, spiritual, and moral education of young people. He also highlighted their charity work, outreach to those in need, and continued support for Russian soldiers and veterans involved in military operations.
Orthodox Christmas Address: Putin Hails Russian Soldiers
During the address, the Russian leader emphasized the close relationship between the state, the church, and the armed forces. He commended religious organizations for actively supporting servicemen and women, describing their work as essential to strengthening national cohesion.
Putin framed the backing of troops by religious groups as a cornerstone of unity, especially during times of conflict, saying their involvement reinforces shared values and collective responsibility.
Church Service Near Moscow Highlights Symbolic Messaging
Later, Putin attended a Christmas Eve service at the Church of the Great Martyr George the Victorious in the Moscow region. Addressing congregants, he first turned his attention to children, telling them they could “rightfully be proud” of their parents serving in uniform.
The setting and timing underscored the symbolic weight of his message, linking religious observance with national service and sacrifice.
Soldiers Compared to Christ’s Mission
In one of the most striking moments of his remarks, Putin drew a direct parallel between Christ as Savior and Russian soldiers. He said troops were acting “as if commissioned by the Lord,” entrusted with a sacred mission to defend the Fatherland and save the Motherland and its people.
Putin added that this role has been revered throughout Russian history, portraying military service as both a spiritual calling and a historical responsibility.
Message of Unity Across Faiths
Putin also sought to emphasize inclusivity, stating that victory “is always one for all.” He noted that believers of other faiths share in the joy of Orthodox Christmas, just as Orthodox Christians participate in the celebrations of other religious communities.
This message reinforced the broader narrative that Putin hails Russian soldiers not only as defenders of the Fatherland but also as a symbol of national unity that transcends religious differences. By highlighting the shared pride in military service, the president connected the contributions of soldiers to a collective sense of civic and spiritual solidarity across all communities.
Closing Blessings and Praise for Troops
The president concluded by wishing Russians a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. He called for good fortune, asked for a “guardian angel” to watch over the audience, and offered explicit thanks to servicemen and women for what he described as their service to the Fatherland.
Through these remarks, Putin hails Russian soldiers as central figures in both the nation’s defense and its moral framework, portraying their service as not just a military duty but also a sacred responsibility. This framing strengthens the Kremlin’s message that military service is deeply intertwined with faith, patriotism, and societal respect.
Final Takeaway
As Putin hails Russian soldiers as God’s ‘missionaries’, the Orthodox Christmas message highlights how religious symbolism is being used to frame Russia’s military efforts as a moral and spiritual mission.
By directly referencing the troops in this way, the address underscores that Putin hails Russian soldiers as exemplars of courage, patriotism, and national pride. Blending faith, historical tradition, and military honor, the speech reinforces public support for the armed forces and signals the ongoing alignment between the Kremlin and religious institutions during times of national and international tension.
For more details & sources visit: Kremlin (Official Website of the President of Russia)
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