ROC publishes propaganda book for children about "enemies of Russia"

The Russian Orthodox Church has published a book with military propaganda. It consists of quotes and proverbs about military service, enemies of Russia and absolution for death in war. On the website of the publishing house of the Moscow Patriarchate the collection entitled "To Live - to Serve the Motherland" is placed in the section "Children's books".

The annotation says that the sayings included in the book "teach how one should treat the motherland", "set up for military everyday life and strengthen the will to win".

In the book there are chapters: "Called - we will not sweat: we will serve the Motherland"; "Without digging there is no life in the war"; "Rifle training - strength, bravery and skill"; "The steadfast soldier does not know the word "back"; "Keep the secret - take care of honour", "The Russian land is all under God", "On the enemies of our Motherland" and others.

The book published by the Russian Orthodox Church teaches to be submissive to the authorities and to perceive officials as "power from God". For opposition to the authorities, churchmen promise "punishment".

Let every soul be submissive to the higher authorities, for there is no authority not of God; the existing authorities are established by God. Therefore he who opposes the authorities opposes God's establishment," the children's book says.

The book also teaches children that it is right to die in war. It cites the statement of the Monk Macarius of Optina that one should not be afraid to die in war, as "those who lay down their lives in battle will surely receive remission of sins, and many will be crowned with imperishable crowns of the glory of Heaven".

Since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, the Russian Orthodox Church has taken an active pro-war invasion stance. In September 2022, Patriarch Kirill stated during a sermon that death in war "washes away all sins" and blessed Russian soldiers for murder, violence and seizure of foreign territory.