Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Russian Church Sends Saint's Hand to Soldiers Fighting in Ukraine
The Russian Orthodox Church sent part of a very old hand to Russian soldiers.
The hand belonged to Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy, who died more than 600 years ago.
Church leaders say the relic can give soldiers courage and spiritual strength.
They compare the saint to a holy commander standing beside the troops.
Donskoy is remembered in Russia for winning the 1380 Battle of Kulikovo.
The church declared him a saint in 1988.
The hand fragment was placed in a decorated small box after restoration work.
Critics say the war should not continue because many people have been killed.
The Russian Orthodox Church sent a fragment of Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy’s right hand to Russian troops in Donetsk.
Church leaders said the relic would provide soldiers with spiritual strength and motivation at the front.
Dmitry Donskoy is revered for defeating the Mongol Golden Horde at the 1380 Battle of Kulikovo.
The prince died in 1389 and was declared a saint by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1988.
Critics oppose the continuing war, while Ukraine reported more than 42,000 Russian casualties in July alone.
- Who
- The Russian Orthodox Church, led in the article by Patriarch Kirill, sent a relic to Russian soldiers.
- What
- A fragment of Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy’s right hand was sent to troops as a source of spiritual strength.
- When
- The fragment was sent during the continuing Russia-Ukraine war, after restoration work uncovered Donskoy’s sarcophagus this summer.
- Where
- The relic was sent to Russian combat units in Donetsk and is to be displayed along the frontlines.
- Why
- The church said it was intended to strengthen soldiers’ spirits and motivate them.
Church Supporters
Critics of the War
Purpose of the relic
Church Supporters
The Russian Orthodox Church says Donskoy’s hand will provide spiritual strength, stand symbolically beside soldiers, and boost their morale.
Critics of the War
Critics reject the gesture in the context of a continuing war and argue that the conflict’s human cost is too high.
Continuing the conflict
Church Supporters
The church supports Russia’s military effort and presents the relic as a source of motivation for troops fighting at the front.
Critics of the War
Critics condemn the decision to continue the war despite rising casualties; the article cites a Ukrainian report of more than 42,000 casualties in July alone.
- Relic
- A fragment of Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy’s right hand
- Recipient
- Russian troops and combat units in Donetsk
- Relic’s purpose
- To provide spiritual strength and motivation
- Dmitry Donskoy
- Died in 1389 and is revered for the 1380 Battle of Kulikovo
- Canonization
- Declared a saint by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1988
- War context
- The article says the Russia-Ukraine war has continued for more than four years
- Reported casualties
- Ukraine reported more than 42,000 casualties in July alone