A Russian Orthodox Church diocese has sparked reactions online after organizing a religious procession aimed at protecting the city of Perm from reported Ukrainian drone attacks.
According to reports, priests from the local branch of the Russian Orthodox Church carried a sacred icon known as the Mother of God of Perm around different parts of the city while conducting prayers for protection and peace.
The unusual event reportedly took place after several drone-related incidents raised security concerns among residents in the Russian city.
During the procession, church officials stopped at major locations across Perm, including a cemetery chapel, a hydroelectric power station and important entry points into the city, where they held prayer sessions.
Church representatives explained that the religious exercise was intended to seek divine intervention against the growing threat of drone attacks.
According to the Perm Diocese, the Mother of God of Perm icon was chosen because of its deep historical and spiritual connection to the region.
In a statement quoted by local media, church officials said religious processions have traditionally been used during times of war, epidemics, invasions and national crises.
The diocese reportedly argued that history contains examples where prayers and sacred processions were believed to have protected communities from disasters and enemy attacks.
The event has since attracted massive reactions online, with many social media users debating whether spiritual ceremonies can realistically help defend against modern drone warfare.
Some commenters praised the church for trying to comfort residents during difficult times, while others mocked the procession as ineffective against advanced military technology.
Reports also noted that a similar religious procession was organized in Perm during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The latest development comes amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, where drone warfare has increasingly become part of the conflict.