Blessing Question

[Aikamun]

This is my biggest discovery of the day. I had thought Sacred troops automatically received their Pretender's level four and nine bless effects. Can these spells only be cast in combat?

Do the priestly blessings go away after each fight or will augmented stats stick to the sacred troops permanently?

Keir made a post once where he stated, "My two best hero's are my first Herse, Grodvitner, who has tough skin and a protection of 23 and the Herse Gymer who has quickness."
Are these the result of a Pretender's blessing? I believe they are not,since they differ, but am not sure.

Thanks, again, for your time,
Aikamun