Metropolitan Kirill prayed for the fighters of the Special Military Operation in the memorial church on the Kazanka River on the day of remembrance of St. George the Victorious.

      Metropolitan of Kazan and Tatarstan Kirill conducted a divine liturgy in the walls of the restored memorial church in honor of the Uncreated Image of the Savior in the waters of the Kazanka River. Together with the clergy of the Kazan diocese, the ruling archbishop prayed for the participants of the special military operation. The event was timed to coincide with the day of remembrance of George the Victorious — the heavenly patron of the Armed Forces, whom the Russian Orthodox Church honors on May 6.

      Dozens of parishioners of the memorial church, law enforcement officers, and veterans of combat actions attended the service. Representatives of the republican authorities were also present, including the Deputy Prime Minister of Tatarstan — Minister of Industry and Trade of the Republic of Tatarstan Oleg Korobchenko and Hero of Russia, assistant to the head of the Republic of Tatarstan Alexander Lapin. The latter participated in the award ceremony for distinguished military personnel and young cadets.

      It is noteworthy that the archbishop's service with prayer petitions took place on the eve of the celebration of Victory Day. During the divine liturgy, prayers were offered for the authorities and the military. In the framework of the litany, the faithful asked the Lord for peace and protection for the country, for victory, and for the souls of the warriors to be comforted.

      "This church is dedicated to our warriors who fell in all battles for our Motherland throughout its great, vast history. And today our warriors die every day defending our country. So remember this, come here and pray fervently for those who are dear and close to us, but who have left this life on the battlefields. Those who are currently fighting and shedding their blood for all those who today stand guard over the interests of our homeland," Metropolitan Kirill addressed the faithful.

      Metropolitan Kirill urged people to come to the restored memorial church to commemorate the fallen warriors. He noted that there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for friends and called on everyone to thank the heroes for their sacrifice.

      At the end of his sermon, the metropolitan congratulated everyone on the holiday and wished that Easter would be a comfort for each on the path to the Kingdom of Heaven. He also asked the Lord and Saint George to protect everyone and help on the path of salvation.

      On May 6, the Orthodox Church commemorates the day of the great martyr George the Victorious. He is revered as the heavenly patron of the Christian military. His image crowns the coat of arms of Moscow and is one of the main symbols of the statehood of Russia.

      Let us remind you that the memorial church dedicated to the fallen warriors during the capture of Kazan was solemnly opened after a large-scale restoration last year. The consecration of the updated church was performed by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia during his visit to Kazan. After that, the prayer life resumed within the walls of the church, and regular services began to be held there in glorification of the Russian military. In August 2025, Metropolitan Kirill already conducted a divine liturgy in the memorial church on the feast day significant to him. During Epiphany, the area near the memorial church was the central place for Epiphany bathing.