Patriarch Of Moscow And All Russia Alexy Ii Conducts Requiem For Soldiers Who Died In 1812 Patriotic War

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II on Tuesday conducted a requiem in Christ the Savour Cathedral for soldiers who died during in the Patriotic War of 1812. Addressing those present, the patriarch said that "on December 25 we traditionally commemorate soldiers and generals who died defending our fatherland in 1812". He emphasised that "military exploits have always been honoured by the church, and it is especially gratifying to conduct the service in this cathedral, which was built in God's glory and in gratitude to the victory won with Lord's help in the 1812 war". On December 25, 1812 Napoleon's army was driven from Russian boundaries. On that day Emperor Alexander I signed a manifesto on construction of Christ the Saviour Cathedral in honour of military glory. This is why December 25 is the day for remembering in prayers Emperor Alexander I, generals and officers and all soldiers who fought Napoleon's troops.