© Associated Press
Two Russian airmen died in Syria over the weekend after their helicopter was shot down by Islamic State group fighters east of the ancient city of Palmyra.
Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says the president is spending his day at the 14th-century Valaam monastery in northwest Russia close to the Finnish border.
Peskov told reporters Monday that Putin has asked the monks and the visiting head of the Russian Orthodox Church to remember those who "work, fight and give their lives to serve the motherland" and to pray for the two troops killed over the weekend.
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The take-home of Putin's visit to the Valaam Monastery (the "Athos of the North") is that
(1) He deemed it necessary to travel there and take part in a commemorative service for miracle-working Sts Sergius and Herman, founders of the monastery. (July 11 is the feast day of these saints);
(2) He prayed with the monks and the people, and took Communion; and
(3) He asked for prayers "for those who at this moment are working and fighting ... giving their lives in the country’s service" (including the two pilots). In other words: please pray for our armies and the success of their missions. Not just in Syria;
(4) Patriarch Kirill assured Putin that "Very many Orthodox Christians are praying for you at this moment.”
“We are very glad to see you and to pray together with you. We very much appreciate everything you do for our country and for all of us."
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The question is: aside from (or in addition to) piety, is there a reason why Putin has prayed ans asked for more prayers at these key monasteries, the "Athos of the North", and the "Athos of the South"?
Strange isn't it that in the West, when there soldiers are lost or killed in a conflict all they do is metaphorically thump there chest and claim they need more men and beg to the ever compliant congress/parliament to open and throw more money into the war chest.
A true leader prays that no more blood will be spilled and seeks spiritual guidance.
It begs the question, which one would choose?