Question about the Slavic Federation

[Civ'ed]

It just appears to be the one priest - who might be a patriarch, I'm not too familiar with Russian Orthodox workings - and some others, holding what is either incense or a metal chain sling. Probably incense.
It should be mentioned that the IRL Soyuz blessing is also apparently done for non-Orthodox astronauts, so...

 

[gunnergoz]

Or maybe there were other priests there too, but the opening cinematic just didn't show them Priests queuing up to bless a rocket, now that's a funny sight.

It's also been done for the launching of warships. We like to have the gods on our side it seems.

 

[IncessantMace]

"God himself cannot sink this ship"

It would make sense for the Patriarch of the Orthodox church to bless it, if they fail he'll be out of a job since everyone will be dead! O.o