Russia has announced the discovery of the relics of Prince Dmitry Donskoy, who died in the 14th century. The report, citing a source within the Russian Orthodox Church, came from the TASS news agency, which noted that anthropological examination confirmed the authenticity and completeness of the remains — only the left heel bone is missing.
Vladimir Medinsky, adviser to the Russian president and former culture minister, told TASS that the very name of Dmitry Donskoy is a symbol in itself, and that the discovery of his relics seems "unexpected, almost miraculous," carrying symbolic weight of its own.
State Duma deputy Nikolai Novichkov of the "Fair Russia" party told TASS that he hopes part of the prince's relics will soon be sent to military units. According to him, this would provide troops with "significant spiritual support" and serve as a reminder of centuries of Russian military tradition and great victories. The deputy views the discovery as proof that in times of hardship, all of Russia's patron saints remain by its side.
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, held a prayer service at the relics on Tuesday. The Church canonized Dmitry Donskoy in 1988, marking the millennium of the Christianization of Rus. TASS recalled that during World War II, the Soviet leadership rehabilitated the prince's image and named a tank unit after him, funded by donations from believers.
Source: novinky.cz