Russian Orthodox Church displays medieval relics to inspire troops

The Russian Orthodox Church has displayed the relics of the medieval Grand Prince Dmitri Donskoi to bolster the morale of Russian troops fighting in Ukraine. The relics, which were discovered in July during restoration work at the Archangel Cathedral in the Kremlin, were brought to the Main Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces in Patriot Park.

Following the display in Moscow, the reliquary is scheduled to be transported to territories currently occupied by Russian forces in Ukraine. The move is supported by both the Church and the Kremlin. Patriarch Kirill led a procession through Moscow following a liturgy at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, an event attended by thousands of believers.

Dmitri Donskoi, canonized four decades ago, is a significant figure in Russian history known for defeating the Golden Horde at the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380. Russian political figures and journalists have characterized the discovery of the remains as a miraculous event and a sign of imminent victory.