Russian President Putin decided to have over 600-year-old national hero “Dmitry Donskoy” join the frontline as the Russian army faced a tough battle.
During a prayer ceremony at the Cathedral of the Archangel on August 20, Putin visited the remains of medieval Moscow Grand Duke Dmitry Donskoy unearthed in July. Putin described these remains as a “glorious harvest” and had them packaged and sent to the frontline to boost the morale of the Russian troops.
Donskoy is a significant figure in Russian history. He once ruled over the Moscow Principality and the Grand Duchy of Vladimir, both of which later became crucial regions for the development of Russia. In 1380, he led his army to victory against the Mongol army of the Golden Horde at the Battle of Kulikovo, making him renowned.
Historical records state that he passed away in 1389 at the age of 39 and was buried in the Cathedral of the Archangel. Located within the Kremlin fortress, the Cathedral of the Archangel has been a burial site for members of the royal family, with over 40 individuals resting there. However, the tomb had never been opened or studied scientifically.
The remains were accidentally discovered by workers while repairing the church’s floor because the lid of Donskoy’s sarcophagus was collapsing, prompting them to carefully remove and preserve the remains.
The Russian Orthodox Church stated that the remains are well-preserved, almost intact, belonging to a man under 180 cm tall, aged between 35 and 45, who died a natural death, matching the historical accounts of Donskoy’s life and death. The church also confirmed that some of the remains will be placed in three reliquaries and sent to various churches for believers to pay their respects, including those on the Ukrainian front.
Upon learning of the removal of the Grand Duke’s remains from the tomb, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha briefly commented on the matter. He stated on X platform: “This is unlikely to help end the war. But if Putin were to personally take his place, that might make a difference.”
The Russian Orthodox Church has had a longstanding close relationship with the military. In 2020, Russia erected an Armed Forces Cathedral in a military-themed park on the outskirts of Moscow, standing at an impressive 300 feet. This cathedral commemorates the Soviet victory over the Nazis, with its metal floor crafted from melted German tanks and mosaic murals inside depicting Russian soldiers fighting with Kalashnikov rifles.
The Times pointed out that Russian Orthodox clergy have long supported the Russian military by praying for weapons and tanks, setting up mobile field chapels, and raising funds for soldiers to acquire equipment like night vision goggles.
Moreover, they conduct blessing ceremonies for car engines, homes, ships, medical scanners, and even rockets about to launch into space, using a brush called “kropilo” to sprinkle “holy water” on the blessed items.
This article draws references from reports by The Times and Reuters.