The paper considers a unique episode in the history of the Russian Orthodox Church - the service of a ruling pontiff, Dimitri (Abashidze), on one of the ships of the Black sea fleet. During the First world war, the Hierarch, who was actively involved in the social and political life of the country, suddenly decided to become an ordinary naval priest, thus demonstrating his patriotic feelings. The mixed reaction of the Holy Synod to the actions of Dimitri (Abashidze) followed. On the basis of archival documents and little-known periodical press materials, the main stages of the service of the Tauride pontiff in the Navy have been restored.