The Russian Orthodox Church has sent a fragment of the remains of Dmitry Donskoy, a 14th-century prince, to troops in Ukraine, claiming it will spiritually empower them. This act highlights the church’s deepening ties with the Kremlin’s military efforts, as it seeks to frame the conflict in religious terms.
Donskoy, known for his victory over the Mongolian Golden Horde, is now being portrayed as a symbol of national defence. The church’s actions, including the recent exhumation of his relics, reflect a shift towards wartime patriotism, suggesting that the church is actively participating in the narrative of the war.
The reliquary was first presented at a war memorial in occupied Donetsk, where clergy and military officials held a prayer service. This event underscores the church’s role in mobilising support for the war, as it encourages both soldiers and civilians to rally behind the military campaign.
Critics argue that the church’s involvement in the war effort undermines its religious integrity. The decision to unearth Donskoy’s remains, after decades of inaction, raises questions about the motivations behind such actions, particularly as the conflict drags on and the church seeks to maintain relevance in a time of crisis.
Source: The Guardian
