ROC launches Orthodox messenger

The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has launched the first Russian Orthodox messenger "Pravzhizn Telegram". This was announced by the Synodal Department for relations between Church and society and media, reports TASS.

As stated in the message, the functionality of the application enables users not only to exchange instant messages, send files and share photos, video and audio, but also to subscribe to various channels to track the events from the life of a church or a monastery.

It is also noted that using the "Pravzhizn Telegram", the priests will be able to remotely "take requests for prayer support from parishioners" and "to promptly receive the request for occasional offices". In addition, with the app will enable them to collect donations, coordinate volunteers, create channels and make newsletter for subscribers.

According to the creators of the app, now Orthodox users can get acquainted with each other, find new friends, discuss the news and give a prayer or other assistance to the faithful. "Thanks to the app" Pravzhizn Telegram" I was able to cure the disease which tormented me long," said one of the parishioners. The service was launched under the motto “Orthodox, unite!”

"Pravzhizn Telegram" supports eight languages and is available for the PC and Android users.

In July 2016, the ROC announced about the launch of its own messenger. The creation of the app was blessed by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Russia. According to the authors of the program, it will be "an important segment of the unified communications platform" of the ROC and will satisfy the needs of believers in "interactive communion and continuous connection of parishioners with the Church."