The Russian military has unveiled camouflage robes and army-green candles for priests accompanying troops into battle.
The assortment of Orthodox Christian paraphernalia painted in combat colors was displayed at the Russian Armed Forces Cathedral, a military-themed megachurch opened this summer, as part of the Army-2020 International Military and Technical Forum currently underway outside Moscow.
On display were mannequins wearing crosses and donning dark-green or camo cassocks, as well as dark-green headwear, candles and other items.
“The uniform is designed for [the priests’] work during field exercises and drills,” the OTR television channel said in a Monday broadcast.
How does one tell the difference between the camo robes and regular combat uniforms? The camo robes feature Orthodox crosses instead of buttonholes and they display first name and church rank instead of one's last name on the lapel, OTR explained.
The holy fatigues haven't quite received the Russian Orthodox Church's blessing, however. The head of the Church's Armed Forces relations department told Interfax on Tuesday that the robes haven't been officially approved.
