Birobidzhan, Jewish Autonomous Region, July 8, 2026
Photo: eparh.ru
A mass Baptism was recently held for the children of Russian soldiers who either died or went missing while fighting in the war in Ukraine.
Altogether, 14 children were baptized on July 4 at the Holy Annunciation Cathedral in Birobidzhan, in Russia’s Jewish Autonomous Region. The Sacrament was celebrated by His Grace Bishop Luka of Birobidzhan and Kuldur, reports Patriarchia.ru.
The children, participants in an 18-day spiritual and psychological rehabilitation program for children who have lost family members, asked to be baptized themselves.
Photo: eparh.ru
This mass Baptism is described as unique in that it combined children of men who died in war with Godparents drawn from the region’s senior leadership, including the governor. The goal was to give the children spiritual fathers and support to replace the fathers they’ve lost.
In his homily, Bp. Luka said the children, having lost their fathers, had gained a Heavenly Father and Godparents through Baptism, and he described the event as a demonstration of compassion toward children in need.
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