Awards for service to Russia presented at the Presidential Library

On February 21, 2024, a gala evening “Sacrificial Service to Russia” dedicated to honoring our soldiers participating in a special military operation, medical workers saving the lives of military personnel and civilians in combat zones and in hospitals, volunteers collecting and sending humanitarian aid, medicines, and equipment to the special military operation zone was held in the Column Hall of the Presidential Library. 

Welcoming words were delivered by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chairman of the St. Petersburg city branch of the All-Russian public movement “Orthodox Russia” Sergei Smirnov; Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the All-Russian public movement “Orthodox Russia” Mikhail Ivanov; Bishop of Kronstadt, vicar of the St. Petersburg diocese Benjamin; veteran of the Great Patriotic War, chairman of the St. Petersburg public organization “Residents of Siege Leningrad” Elena Sergeevna Tikhomirova; Director General of the Presidential Library Yuri Nosov and other guests of honor.

In his speech, Yuri Nosov noted: “It is very important for us that the gala evening dedicated to honoring the participants in the special military operation, doctors, and volunteers is held in the Presidential Library. The collections contain a lot of materials on military topics. We preserve the history of Russia by digitizing and making accessible documents and archival materials; we pay great attention to strengthening patriotism and spiritual and moral values. In addition, the specialists of the Presidential Library, at the call of their hearts, actively help our soldiers participating in the Northern Military District”. 

As part of the solemn program, awards were presented to our compatriots by the leaders of the All-Russian public movement “Orthodox Russia”.

The evening continued with a concert, which was attended by the State Academic Chapel of St. Petersburg, artistic director - People's Artist of the USSR Vladislav Chernushenko, and the State Symphony Orchestra of Leningrad Region, conductor - Honored Artist of Russia Igor Shevernev. The evening's hosts were Vera Kononova and Stanislav Mostovoy.

Gala evenings “Sacrificial Service to Russia” have been held since 2004 and, in addition to charity concerts, include the awarding of worthy representatives of our society with orders and medals of the All-Russian public movement “Orthodox Russia”.

Russian culture is permeated with love, and love is always sacrificial, it does not seek glory, it seeks service. Serving one’s neighbor is the vital foundation of our people, who are ready to perform a sacrificial feat “for their friends”. The gala evenings “Sacrificial Service to Russia” are dedicated to love and mercy, honor and valor of those whose life path is for us an example of climbing the ladder of virtues.