Penza, 11 March 2014. PenzaNews. Three parishioners of Penza church of Holy Apostles Peter and Paul took a vow of sobriety participating in the church ceremony held by Archpriest Alexei Gorshkov.

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In memory of their action the men received vow letters and icons.

The sobriety community has been on as a part of the church for two years.

Every Sunday prayer services are held here for people suffering from alcoholism and their relatives, and vows of sobriety are taken.

During the existence of this community, vows were taken by about 35 people. Vow of sobriety is taken not only by those who want to get rid of their addiction, but also those who want to show an example of abstinence.

The terms of the vow can be different — from six months to several years. Then this term may be extended, as well as one may swear not to drink for his lifetime.

If a man broke his promise, then he needs to resort to church again — to the sacrament of confession — and try to return to the vow, states the official website of Penza eparchy.