Russia Takes Donskoy's Remains to Soldiers, Integrating Religious Symbols into War Narrative
Quick Look
By using religious symbols in the Ukrainian war, Russia is trying to create an image of defender rather than aggressor; Relics of Orthodox Christian figures are distributed to soldiers as part of the Kremlin's strategy to create 'activating myths'.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
After Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, religious symbols have become more prominent as part of war propaganda; Although relics of Orthodox Christian figures have historically been put to military use, the ideological dimension of this practice is currently emphasized.
Taking holy relics to soldiers is not a new practice in the history of Orthodox Christianity. However, experts point out that the role of religious symbols in the war narrative has increased significantly after Russia launched its large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
According to Sergei Chapnin, a religious researcher at Fordham University's Center for Orthodox Christian Studies, through these symbols the Kremlin is trying to portray Russia as the defender of its own territory, not the aggressor.
Chapnin states that the historical presentation of Donskoy as a figure who "defended his homeland" also serves this narrative, and defines it as an "activating myth".
Nor is Donskoy the first historical warrior to be used as a symbol in the Ukrainian war.
The holy relics of Prince Alexander Nevsky, one of the important figures of Russian military history and a saint of the Orthodox Church, were also taken to the soldiers earlier this year.
Donskoy's remains were unearthed during restoration work at the Archangel Cathedral in the Kremlin in August.
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the unearthing of Donskoy's remains, whose grave location is already known, as "an absolutely unique and magnificent discovery."
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Russia may distribute more religious relics to soldiers during the continuation of the war.
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- How are these relics distributed among the soldiers?
- Does the Orthodox Church have an official stance on this practice?
- Is the impact of this practice on soldiers' morale measured?
