The Russian Orthodox Church has developed a concept to ensure the legal status of military priests

This was announced by the head of the legal department of the Moscow Patriarchate Abbess Xenia Chernega.

“The Church, together with the Department of the Russian Ministry of Defense for Cooperation with Religious Associations, has developed a draft concept for changes and additions to Russian legislation necessary to ensure the legal status of the military clergy,” TASS quoted her as saying.

The concept was supported by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to her, the concept provides for the provision of social benefits, guarantees and compensations to military clergy, as well as members of their families.

In November, Archpriest Mikhail Vasiliev, rector of the Church of the Great Martyr Barbara and St. Elijah of Muromets, the Patriarchal Metochion in Vlasikha, Moscow Region, died in the special operation zone.