Flag of Novorossiya

Flag of Novorossiya

Thursday, July 28, 2016

IGOR STRELKOV AND HIS CHRISTIAN FAITH



  

Col. Igor Strelkov with Russian Orthodox priest at Valaam 28 August 2014.

The Christian Convictions of the Ukraine Resistance
Valentina Kiselev Sat, Aug 16

An interesting detail emerged this summer, which gives an insight into the mentality of the leadership of the Donbass resistance.

Their then commander-in-chief, Igor Strelkov, issued an order forbidding profanity, making it a serious disciplinary violation, subject to punishment.  

  

Not an exception. The Russian church feels a great responsibility to minister to soldiers.
It further instructed officers to educate troops about the reasons why profanity should not be tolerated, explaining that it is a serious sin, and weakens the spirit of the army, thus making it more vulnerable to the enemy.  (Complete text of the order below)

This is more evidence that Strelkov takes his Christian faith very seriously.   In April he formed the "Russian Orthodox Army", one of the major military units under his command.   Here are some pictures of him with his troops, featuring banners with the image of Christ the Savior, performing an oath of loyalty kissing the flag of a battalion in a church.

  





Here is the full text of the order:

Proclamation forbidding the use of profanity in the army of Novorossiya
Colonel Strelkov, Commander of DPR Militia, Jul 28 2014

- Issued on the Day of the Holy Saint Vladimir, the Companion of the Apostles of Christ, the Day of the Baptism of Rus -

We call ourselves an Orthodox army, and are proud not to serve the Golden Calf, but to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, and our banners depict the face of the Saviour.

The use of profanity by soldiers is a blasphemy against the Lord and the Mother of God whom we serve and whom we protect in battle. I hereby ORDER:

·         To prohibit the use of profanity.

·         Unit commanders to convey this order to the troops. Commanders and officers for ideology to conduct explanatory work about the meaning of profanity, and the reasons for its inadmissibility.

·         Swearing in public places shall be treated as a serious disciplinary offence and punished accordingly.

Explanation:
 
Profanity is of non-Russian origin, and is used by the enemies of Russia to desecrate our Holy Places, to degrade Russian soldiers spiritually, to break them in battle, and to bring the people to their knees. 

Therefore, Profanity is blasphemy, which has always been considered a grave sin.

The principle of the enemies of Russia has always been the same as it is today, for the haters of Christians who have seized power in Kiev, who order Orthodox Ukrainians to shoot at their temples, to deride our banners with the face of the Saviour, and deride the Orthodox priesthood.

In this context, we cannot allow Russian warriors to use the language of the enemy. It humiliates us spiritually and leads us to defeat.

  








A Promise to Oneself — by Igor Ivanovich Strelkov, 1991

4 Comments
 
Don’t wait for orders! Don’t delay
With reference to rest!
Forge forth! Through wind and piercing rain
And blizzard’s howling wail!

Abandon comfort’s cozy quilt —
You’re young, the way is yours!
You’ll have the time to rest your soul
When they lament your death!

Be brave, be fair, don’t heed the tongues
That ridicule and sneer.
And as a leader, take the brunt
Of duty on yourself!

If you have never been at fault,
Your life’s a wasted bloom —
You’ve shied away from picking up
The burdens of this world!

Whatever brings your lot to you —
Success or failure’s wrath,
Remember this – your measure’s worth
Will only judge our Lord!

Igor Ivanovich Strelkov, 1991
Не жди приказа! Не сиди,
Ссылаясь на покой!
Вперед! Сквозь ветры и дожди,
И вьюги волчий вой!

Оставь удобства и уют —
Пока ты молод — в путь!
Когда отходную споют,
Успеешь отдохнуть!

Будь честен, смел, не замечай
Насмешек и помех.
А будешь старшим — отвечай
Не за себя — за всех!

Тот, кто ошибок не имел —
В безделии зачах —
Он груза жизни не посмел
Примерить на плечах!

Каков бы ни был твой удел —
Удачен или плох,
Все ж помни: меру твоих дел
Оценит только Бог!

Игорь Иванович Стрелков, 1991




Igor Strelkov kisses an Orthodox Icon


Igor Strelkov (r), defence minister of the “Donetsk People's Republic“ and the republic's prime minister Alexander Boroday with an icon donated by the Russian Orthodox Church to the Donetsk militia (Photo: RIA Novosti)


An Orthodox priest blesses pro-Russian separatist commander Igor Strelkov (left) during a religious service in the eastern city of Donetsk on July 10.