On September 20, the Church commemorates the heroes of the Battle of Kulikovo – Blessed Alexander Peresvet and Blessed Andrew Oslyaby.translated

The Orthodox Church remembers the heroes of the Battle of Kulikovo, Blessed Alexander Peresvet (+ 1380) and Blessed Andrew Oslyaby (+ ca. 1380), on September 20.

Blessed Alexander Radonezhsky (Peresvet) was a boyar and experienced warrior who took monastic vows under Blessed Sergius of Radonezh. Also, Blessed Andrew Radonezhsky (Oslyaby) – a boyar and also an experienced soldier – took his vows under the same saint.

Both monastic warriors were given to assist Prince Dmitry Donskoy before the Battle of Kulikovo with the blessing for battle.

It was at the beginning of this battle that the mighty duel between Alexander Peresvet, representing the Russians, and Chelubey (Temir-Murza), representing the Tatar-Mongols, took place. Both warriors fought on horseback and struck each other so forcefully with their spears that they both died instantly.

However, it was the spiritual power of the blessing of Blessed Sergius of Radonezh that determined the outcome of the battle, inspired the Russian troops, and secured their historic victory.

After the battle, the body of Blessed Alexander Peresvet was buried near the church dedicated to the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in Old Simonov. Beside it lay the body of Blessed Andrew Oslyaby.