Russian Church sends hand of Medieval Prince to Ukraine front to “Boost Morale”

The decision by the Russian Orthodox Church to send a fragment of the hand of a medieval prince and saint to the front line of the war in Ukraine has sparked intense commentary in the international media, with the stated aim, according to the Church, of boosting the morale and “spiritual endurance” of Russian soldiers.

It’s a fragment from the right hand of Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy, which, according to the Moscow Patriarchate, was transferred to military units in the occupied Donetsk region.

“A portion of the Grand Prince’s right hand, the same hand with which he held his sword at the Battle of Kulikovo, was sent to the front to strengthen the soldiers’ spirit,” the Russian Orthodox Church said in a statement. The relic was placed in a small, ornate reliquary which, according to the Church, will be displayed to Russian military units stationed near the front line.

From the Main Cathedral of the Armed Forces to the front lines: The reliquary of St. Dmitry Donskoy has arrived in Rostov. A prayer service was held for troops and families before the sacred relic is dispatched directly to units in the combat zone. pic.twitter.com/gCr1fNTxDL

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