IN NIZHNY NOVGOROD “BERKUT” ASSOCIATION PROVIDED RELIABLE PROTECTION OF THE ORTHODOX RELICS

In honor of Grand Prince Alexander Nevsky the Divine Liturgy took place in the Cathedral in Nizhny Novgorod on September 22th, which was served by Metropolitan of Nizhny Novgorod and Arzamas – Georgiy with concelebrating of the clergy of the diocese of Nizhny Novgorod.

There were two Orthodox relics those days in the Church that were brought from Kutlumush monastery situated on Mount Athos: the ark with a part of the Holy Cross and the Icon of the Mother of God called “Passional”. During the service numerous laity could venerate the relics set in the shadows in the center of the church.

To ensure the safety and security of the laity and the relics during the Divine Liturgy and other events held over three days in the Cathedral, Decanus Ruralis of Kanavinsky District Archpriest Sergei applied to the administration of the Association of guard and legal companies “Berkut”.

This request of the Administration of Nizhny Novgorod Archdiocese of the Russian Orthodox Church to the staff of the Association “Berkut” on involving its guards into ensuring safety during such a big event was the logical continuation of the old, already traditional partnership.

Confident and professional actions of the Association “Berkut” have been repeatedly praised by the Administration of Nizhny Novgorod churches. Thus, for providing security during the Easter celebrations Metropolitan of Nizhny Novgorod and Arzamas expressed his sincere gratitude to the guards of the Association “Berkut” for the professionalism and reliability.

Icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov was presented to the Museum of private security established by the Association “Berkut” by the Rector of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Archpriest Sergius in honor of the 20th anniversary of the private security and  as a token of appreciation of the Nizhny Novgorod guards for the exemplary performance of their duties.

The Administration of Nizhny Novgorod Archdiocese of the Russian Orthodox Church during the events of 22-25 September, 2013, once again realized their choice was right - the actions of private security guards of the Association “Berkut” during the Orthodox celebrations were especially reliable, precise, confident and professional. In addition, taking into account the specific tactics for the events of this level of complexity, the guards’ duties in the church were fulfilled by the rapid response team and the reserve, that had the modern means of transport, communications and equipment in their disposal.

According to the Administration of Nizhny Novgorod Archdiocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Divine Liturgy and other events at the Cathedral were held in a peaceful atmosphere. This means that the Department of the Association “Berkut” managed to create an environment that criminal elements who are always attracted to such crowded events couldn’t even think about violating security of the laity and sanctity of the Orthodox relics. Therefore, the words “were held in a peaceful environment” are the highest praise of the private security professionalism and the level of its organization.

To ensure a reliable operation of the guards in the course of the events of the ROC of this level, the Department of the Association “Berkut”carried out  a detailed analysis  of the various options for a possible development of the situation at the venue, the zones of security and control were clearly defined and the actions of security during the event depending on the prevailing were drilled. Particular attention is paid to the organization of interaction with the staff of the church and the ROC in the crowded places of the laity as well as with the MIA bodies and the personal security of the VIP-persons involved in the event.

To perform such complex but honorable tasks the best guards of the Association are sent following a detailed briefing and training of various courses of action during security provision of the laity.

On October 3, 2013, Decanus Ruralis of Kanavinsky District , Archpriest Sergei, sent to the CEO of the Association “Berkut”, Kovalev P.V., a letter of gratitude for the exemplary security during the Divine Liturgy which was served by Metropolitan of Nizhny Novgorod and Arzamas and presented the Association with the icon of Holy Grand Prince Alexander Nevsky Association.

In the reply, Kovalev P.V. expressed his sincere gratitude to the Archdiocese of Nizhny Novgorod Russian Orthodox Church for the high praise of the Association team. However, he stressed that the Association guards see their participation in security provision of the Orthodox relics and churches as a high honor and a manifestation of trust of the laity and all the people of Nizhny Novgorod to the private security community.