The Russian Orthodox Church, together with government agencies, can organize worship of the relics of the Holy Prince Dmitry Donskoy for military personnel participating in a special military operation. This was stated by Vakhtang Kipshidze, Deputy Chairman of the Synodal Department for Church-Society Relations and the Media.
In July 2026, during the restoration of the Archangel Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, fragments of the relics of Dmitry Donskoy were discovered. Emergency work was carried out due to sagging floor slabs. The information about the find was confirmed by representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church on August 18.
As Vakhtang Kipshidze explained, the prince's burial place was known earlier, but his relics were not available to believers for worship. The representative of the Russian Orthodox Church noted the special significance of this discovery, made during a special military operation. Dmitry Donskoy went down in history as a ruler and a warrior who played an important role in protecting Russian lands and strengthening statehood.
The victory of the Russian army in the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380, led by the prince, became an important stage in the unification of the country and liberation from the Horde dependence. Before the battle, Dmitry Donskoy received the blessing of St. Sergius of Radonezh. According to Vakhtang Kipshidze, the image of the holy Prince still reminds us of the need for unity in the face of a common threat, the protection of state borders and the preservation of sovereignty.
According to the Orthodox tradition, the relics of one saint can be found in several churches. It is assumed that the found shrines will also be placed in different places and will be available for the worship of believers.
The representative of the Russian Orthodox Church expressed confidence that the Church and the state will be able to determine the appropriate procedure that will allow participants in a special military operation to venerate the relics of the holy Prince and warrior Dmitry Donskoy.
Prince Dmitry Donskoy lived in 1350-1389. The Russian Orthodox Church canonized him in 1988, noting his services to the Church and the people, as well as the historical significance of the victory in the Battle of Kulikovo.