The glorification of the Great Prince of Moscow Dmitry Donskoy as a saint became possible thanks to his enormous services to the Fatherland and the Church. By his personal pious example, Dimitry Donskoy showed how sacrifices are made in the name of Christ for the good and salvation of others. And how the Lord himself helps in godly deeds.
Dimitry Donskoy was a pupil of St. Alexy of Moscow, and already at a young age he proved himself to be a talented state ruler. He fought for the unity of Russian territories, which is why they called him the collector of Russian lands. Saint Demetrius was the liberator of Rus' from the Mongol yoke. For his decisive historical Battle of Kulikovo, the blessed Prince Dimitri received a blessing from the great Saint Sergius of Radonezh. The Monk Sergius gave the faithful warrior Demetrius his schema-monks Alexei and Alexander as assistants. The Battle of Kulikovo was valiantly won by Grand Duke Dimitri. The history of the Russian army has never known such a victory. The Don River flows next to the Kulikovo Field, which is why the winner of the battle of Dimitri began to be called Dimitri Donskoy.
The meaning of the icon “Blessed Prince Dimitri Donskoy”
On the icon, Dmitry Donskoy is often depicted against the backdrop of churches and holding a temple on his hand. The significance of this background suggests that Saint Prince Demetrius made significant efforts to obtain freedom from Constantinople for the Russian Orthodox Church. During his reign, many temples and monasteries were built. They are an effective spiritual defense of the borders of the Fatherland from external enemies even today.
At the request of Grand Duke Demetrius, memorial services were constantly served in churches in memory of the fallen soldiers. The blessed Prince Demetrius became the founder of new traditions in the history of the church charter. This is the memorial Saturday of Demetrius and another miracle - an event associated with the discovery of the relics of the famous holy warrior Alexander Nevsky.
The relics of Alexander Nevsky are kept in the Assumption Vladimir Cathedral, and on the night before the battle of Prince Demetrius with the Mongols, the temple servants saw two elders emerge from the altar, dressed in the vestments of metropolitans. They approached the tomb of Alexander Nevsky and said: “Rise up Alexandra, be quick to help your great-grandson, Grand Duke Demetrius, who is being overcome by foreigners.” Prince Alexander Nevsky rebelled and the vision disappeared.
Why is Dmitry Donskoy canonized?
Until the end of his days he fought for his homeland, and was canonized in 1988 as a defender of the faith and the Fatherland. He laid the foundation for the liberation of the Orthodox land from infidels.
1380, Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary - a great many Orthodox soldiers were killed on the Kulikovo Field. Mourning the fallen warriors, the Grand Duke was even more inspired by the thought of uniting the Fatherland. This is what he strived for, despite the obstacles and dangers, significantly expanding the territory of the Moscow Principality.
The far-sighted and brave ruler entered into an alliance with the Suzdal princess Evdokia, bringing Veliky Novgorod under the auspices of Moscow. In pious union, 12 children were born. His Christian family was a symbol of God-fearing marriage.
He entered the history of the people as an active temple builder. He established Dmitrievskaya Parental Saturday as a tribute to the soldiers who did not return from the field.
What does the icon of Dmitry Donskoy help with?
Historians note the highly moral qualities of Grand Duke Demetrius; his reverence for God and fortitude became an unshakable wall for external enemies.
This image helps to show willpower and fearlessness.
A prayerful appeal to the icon of St. Dmitry Donskoy helps:
- resolve and eliminate problems related to political issues;
- resolve matters of government;
- in the resolution of military conflicts.
The icon of St. Demetrius will be useful for people holding government positions of the highest government importance, diplomats, and politicians. In life, Prince Dimitri, despite his status as a commander and the harsh wartime, showed generosity, mercy and good attitude towards his subordinates.
Before the icon of Dmitry Donskoy they pray not only about large-scale global issues. They ask him for help in creating a strong Christian family. The personal married life of Saint Demetrius was an example to follow. He bequeathed to his children deep reverence for their mother. The icon of Dmitry Donskoy also helps in our turbulent times in protecting the house from unwanted intrusion.
The day of veneration of the Holy Blessed Prince Dimitry Donskoy is celebrated on June 1
The Life of the Holy Blessed Prince Dmitry Donskoy
The birth in the capital of 1350 was predetermined from above. At the age of nine, having lost his father, he receives the spiritual support of Metropolitan Alexy of Moscow.
God's chosen one was brought up in virtue and purity from infancy, absorbing the atmosphere of Christian morality. Never again will the great ruler deviate from the tenets of Orthodoxy.
Boundless trust in God, strict fasts, prayerful and spiritual deeds were combined with mercy and charity, care for his subordinates and the Russian people.
Prayer to the icon
Oh, holy servant of God, righteous Demetrius! Having fought a good fight on earth, you have received in Heaven the crown of righteousness, which the Lord has prepared for all who love Him. In the same way, looking at your holy image, we rejoice at the glorious end of your life and honor your holy memory. You, standing before the Throne of God, accept our prayers and bring them to the All-Merciful God, to forgive us every sin and help us against the wiles of the devil, so that, having been delivered from sorrows, illnesses, troubles and misfortunes and all evil, we will live piously and righteously in the present We will be worthy through your intercession, even though we are unworthy, to see good on the land of the living, glorifying the One in His saints, the glorified God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
( 4 ratings, average: 4.00 out of 5)
Dmitry: name day (angel day). history of the holiday
From that time on, the people realized that they had a defender who could resist the Horde. The Battle of Kulikovo became a turning point, because if Prince Donskoy had not won then, Rus' could have completely disappeared from the world map. This is evidenced by Mamai’s words, which revealed his goals regarding Rus'. He wanted to do to Russia the same thing that Batu did, only even worse - to destroy the Russian princes, enslave the people, build mosques and force them to worship Allah. Holy Rus' could not withstand a second such tyrant. But the dominance of the Golden Horde was shaken and accelerated its collapse, and this was followed by the liberation of Rus'.
Now the Orthodox have a day of the angel Dmitry, it is celebrated on June 1. On this day, prayers of praise are read in honor of the holy Prince Dmitry Donskoy, so that he will protect from adversity and help in good deeds.
Brief Life
The future saint was born in Moscow on October 12, 1350. His father was John Ioannovich the Red. Due to the early death of his father and older brother, Dimitri ascended the Moscow throne in 1359, when he was only 9 years old. Metropolitan Alexy, who was later canonized as a saint, became his regent.
Interesting fact
Metropolitan Alexy was already revered during his lifetime as a miracle worker. Khan Janibek once asked to send a saint to the Horde to heal the blind Queen Taidula. Before leaving, the Metropolitan performed a prayer service in the Assumption Cathedral, during which, as the chronicle testifies, “the candle lit itself.” The metropolitan took part of this candle with him.
He lit it in the khan’s tent, read a prayer and sprinkled Taidula with holy water. The queen regained her sight, and from then on Alexy enjoyed the support of influential khanshas.
The maturing prince studied military science with special diligence. He rode horseback daily, shot archery, and practiced hand-to-hand combat. Over time, he became a real hero.
In addition, he turned out to be a wise politician. He even married for the good of the state. His chosen one was the young princess Evdokia, the daughter of the ruler of Suzdal, who was at enmity with Moscow. This marriage produced 12 children.
The Golden Horde in the middle of the 14th century was no longer such a united and organized state as in the time of Genghis Khan. His descendants were fiercely at enmity with each other for the right to sit on the khan’s felt, and Dimitri Ioannovich well understood that if he united with other Russian rulers, it was quite possible to resist the Mongols.
He took the first step towards this: in 1374 he convened all the princes in Pereslavl-Zalessky for a congress, at which it was decided not to obey the khan’s protege Mikhail Tversky, but to unite around the Moscow prince, creating a common army.
They prepared thoroughly for the battle with the Horde. The Horde army consisted not only of nomads. It was joined by the Genoese infantry, Circassian cavalry and the Lithuanian prince who had entered into an alliance with the khan. In order to defeat the 150,000-strong enemy army, the Russians certainly needed spiritual support.
Sergius of Radonezh
And then Demetrius turned for a blessing to the “abbot of the Russian Land,” St. Sergius of Radonezh, who during his lifetime was revered by the people as a great ascetic and saint of God. The monk blessed the Russian soldiers and sent two of his schema-monks, Alexander Peresvet and Andrei Oslabya, together with Demetrius.
Here is what the disciple of St. Sergius and his first biographer Epiphanius the Wise wrote about this event:
“It became known that by God’s remission for our sins, the Horde prince Mamai had gathered a great force, the entire horde of godless Tatars, and was going to the Russian land; and all the people were seized with great fear. The great prince who held the scepter of the Russian land was the famous and invincible great Dmitry. He came to Saint Sergius, because he had great faith in the elder, and asked him if the saint would order him to speak out against the godless: after all, he knew that Sergius was a virtuous man and possessed the gift of prophecy. The saint, when he heard about this from the Grand Duke, blessed him, armed him with prayer and said:
“You should, sir, take care of the glorious Christian flock entrusted to you by God. Go against the godless, and if God helps you, you will win and return unharmed to your Fatherland with great honor.”
The Grand Duke replied: “If God helps me, Father, I will build a monastery in honor of the Most Pure Mother of God.” And, having said this and received a blessing, he left the monastery and quickly set off on his journey.”
Who were the monks?
The head of the Caucasian Holy Trinity Metochion of the Valaam Monastery, schema-abbot Gabriel (Vinogradov-Lakerbaya) explains:
“We all know very well that on the Kulikovo Field, St. Sergius sent two schema-monks with Prince Dimitri Donskoy. Who were these schema-monks? These were governors, whom today we would call generals. That is, they were experienced warriors who by that time were already monks. That is, after serving their service, they came to the monastery. Probably, while participating in hostilities, they had to kill, and they came to the monastery to atone for their sins - those involuntary murders that they had to commit while defending their Motherland.”
The decisive battle took place on the day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary - September 8 (21), 1380 . The outcome of the battle was decided by the ambush regiment, which entered the battle at a moment when the Horde and their allies were completely exhausted. Prince Dimitri took part in the battle in the armor of a simple warrior and was seriously wounded. He was found unconscious, covered with a fallen tree.
After the battle, the prince lived another 9 years, and died on May 19 (June 1), 1389 . His relics rest in the Archangel Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin.
When and why was it called “Donskoy”?
He was nicknamed Donskoy by the name of the Don River, on the right bank of which, at the confluence of the Nepryadva River, the famous Battle of Kulikovo took place on September 8, 1380.
In 1560, in the “Graduate Book of the Royal Genealogy,” Prince Dimitri was first named Donskoy.
Interesting fact
Not far from the Kulikovo field there is a holy spring, which is popularly called the “Forgiveness Well”. According to legend, it was formed by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm. It is believed that Russian soldiers washed their wounds here after the battle and here they said goodbye to the fallen. This place is known for many miraculous healings.
Church of St. Dimitry Donskoy
Akathist to the blessed prince Dimitry Donskoy
Kontakion 1
To the chosen governor of the Russian land, the holy noble Grand Duke Demetrius, we, sons and daughters of Russia, offer thanksgiving songs, as if he had delivered Holy Rus' from the yoke and invasion of the Agarians and called upon many Russian people to stand sacredly for the faith of Christ, for the Orthodox Fatherland and for their friends, and without souls. fear bodily death for the faith of God and always be ready to lay down our heads on the battlefield. For this reason, with faith and love, we cry out: Rejoice, holy noble Grand Duke and governor of the Don Demetrius, defender of the Orthodox faith and Holy Rus'.
Ikos 1
Having acquired an angelic life from a young age, holy Prince Demetrius and from his youth having loved God, was brought up in piety with instructions that were beneficial to the soul. In the same way, glorifying the Lord, who exalted the chosen one of God and the wondrous commander in the Slavic lands, we cry out like this: Rejoice, Prince Demetrius, having inherited piety from your parents. Rejoice, adorned with meekness of disposition. Rejoice, thou who hast the Slavic family from the holy great Equal-to-the-Apostles Princess Olga. Rejoice, most honorable spring of the great holy prince Vladimir, equal to the apostles. Rejoice, great-grandson who appeared to the holy Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky. Rejoice, thou who hast received the virtue and wisdom of this. Rejoice, lover of God from childhood. Rejoice, having devoted yourself entirely to Him alone. Rejoice, you who hate all idleness. Rejoice, you who bear Christian virtues in your heart. Rejoice, holy noble-believing Grand Duke and Governor of the Don Demetrius, defender of the Orthodox faith and Holy Rus'.
Kontakion 2
Seeing the youth of the youth Demetrius orphaned and replacing his parent, Saint Alexy of Moscow appeared as a godly friend and quick adviser to the young prince Demetrius Ioannovich. This same bishop of God Alexy, for the kindness of his soul, was dearly loved by everyone, and especially revered in the grand-ducal house, so God deigned to care for the piety of the heir to the throne of Moscow, Demetrius, to him we sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
The Lord gave you great intelligence from your youth, Great Prince Demetrius. For when the Great Prince John went with you and many clergy and people beyond the city of Moscow to meet his high priest, who had returned from the Tatar Horde, you, young prince, said to the saint of God: “Master, what shall we reward you for your labors? You grant us a life of peace." Remembering this righteous humility and veneration of the saint of God, we cry out to you with tenderness: Rejoice, you who have acquired the humility of Christ. Rejoice, having driven away the pride of the devil far from yourself. Rejoice, you who, after the death of your parent, clung to Saint Alexis. Rejoice, having joined the environment of Russian asceticism from childhood. Rejoice, you who spent your childhood under the protection of the elder metropolitan. Rejoice, for you have been your nurturer and friend to the Monk Sergius. Rejoice, having fellowship and like-mindedness with the disciples of this holy abbot. Rejoice, for God's Providence has given you mentors and wise advisers. Rejoice, for through their prayers your spirit has been strengthened. Rejoice, chosen for great service by the All-Seeing God. Rejoice, holy noble-believing Grand Duke and Governor of the Don Demetrius, defender of the Orthodox faith and Holy Rus'.
Kontakion 3
Strengthened by the power from above, holy noble prince, when Saint Alexy bless you, after the dormition of the Grand Duke John, to make a journey to the Mamayev Horde, so that with your own eyes you can see the Hagarians, who viciously tormented the Russian people for more than a hundred years. We, in gratitude to God, who gave you such love for the earthly Fatherland, sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having, Saint Demetrius, in your heart strong faith, undoubted hope, true love for the Creator God of all, therefore you loved the prince, the blessed Russian Land, on it you were born and raised quickly in the Orthodox faith, sharing all the hardships and sorrows with the people of the earth my own. And God, looking at the heart of his chosen one, pained by the glory of Holy Rus', made you the Grand Duke of Moscow. We, who rejoice in this, cry out: Rejoice, youth of years, richly adorned with wisdom. Rejoice, I hastened God, having accepted the ancient rite of enthronement. Rejoice, under the leadership of Saint Alexy you acquired the mind of a sovereign ruler. Rejoice, metropolitan city, exalting Moscow. Rejoice, fortifying the Principality of Moscow. Rejoice, for with the holy Vladimir icon Saint Alexy blessed you for your great reign. Rejoice, united Holy Rus' in the unanimity of the autocracy. Rejoice, you who have been a zealous trustee in great and saving work. Rejoice, pure mind, seeing God. Rejoice, dedicating the good desires of your heart to the only Lord. Rejoice, holy blessing of God's bishop for every good deed. Rejoice, for on all your grand ducal deeds the grace of St. Alexis rests. Rejoice, holy noble-believing Grand Duke and Governor of the Don Demetrius, defender of the Orthodox faith and Holy Rus'.
Kontakion 4
The twelve-year-old prince, the youth of God Demetrius, had a storm inside, when he was always holding in his weak hands the rule of the Russian state, which was fragmented everywhere, oppressed from the outside by the yoke of the Mohammedans and outraged and torn apart by internal strife between the princes and the common people. Who will be able to utter the many sorrows and sufferings carried on your shoulders, Holy Prince Demetrius? We cry out to the Lord of God’s Powers: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing the noble prince, Saint Demetrius, that there is trouble in the Suzdal principality, he deigned to quickly strengthen the union with this land through a wedding with Princess Eudokia, in order to lay the foundation for the rise of Moscow in good glory. For it was the will of God to piously strengthen Prince Demetrius’s own home with family ties. We, marveling at the wisdom of the prince, cry out to her: Rejoice, for your wife has led the ascetic life on earth. Rejoice, for your three children received baptism from the great abbot Sergius. Rejoice, for you are living with your wife in chastity and holiness. Rejoice, you who generously fed the hungry with princely bread. Rejoice, you who have given good drink to many who are thirsty. Rejoice, patron of the offended. Rejoice, charity for orphans. Rejoice, intercession of widows. Rejoice, robe of the naked. Rejoice, sadder Russian Lands. Rejoice, holy noble-believing Grand Duke and Governor of the Don Demetrius, defender of the Orthodox faith and Holy Rus'.
Kontakion 5
You were like a more godly star, holy and faithful Prince Demetrius, going around the Russian Land and saving it from enemies external and internal. And especially the principalities: Nizhny Novgorod, Ryazan and Tver. We praise God, who gave you spiritual understanding and cry: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
The leader is the noble Prince Demetrius, together with Saint Alexis, as the hordes of Olgerd of Lithuania are numerous, moving through the Russian Land to Moscow and doing all sorts of obscenities on their way, not allowing him, but shutting themselves up in the capital city of Moscow and praying to God. Olgerd the Lithuanian came and troubled him with the sight of the stone Moscow Kremlin and after three days he returned back. Seeing this power of the prayers of the Grand Duke and Saint of God, we all cry out: Rejoice, for God has helped you not only in earthly battles, but also in spiritual ones. Rejoice, for through the faith of Christ you have overcome all the enemies of your Fatherland. Rejoice, even now the Orthodox Russian country is a strong guardian. Rejoice, for I helped protect all the holy lands of the Russian land with your prayers from the machinations of the enemy. Rejoice, thou who learned by the right path. Rejoice, having Saint Alexis as your assistant throughout your life. Rejoice, as you shared sorrows and joys with him. Rejoice, having graciously accepted all the trials sent from God. Rejoice, you have concluded an alliance with Novugrad and Pskov through Prince Vladimir. Rejoice, for the princes of Smolensk and Bryansk suffered the punishment worthy of the Lord for helping Lithuania. Rejoice, for the All-Good God has provided you with spiritual strength. Rejoice, for you have been deemed worthy to be the heir of the faithful son of the Holy Glory of God in Rus'. Rejoice, holy noble-believing Grand Duke and Governor of the Don Demetrius, defender of the Orthodox faith and Holy Rus'.
Kontakion 6
The Russian country preaches your exploits and illnesses raised for the sake of the earthly Fatherland and your neighbors. When Prince Mikhail of Tver went to Mamai to ask for a label for his great reign. You were in no way afraid of this, but surrendering to the will of God, you sang: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Holy Prince Demetrius shone like a great sun in the Russian country with his righteousness and good courage. For this reason, the evil Khan Mamai is afraid of you. And watching you many times, I became afraid that you did not want to pay tribute. Therefore, invite you to the city of Vladimir to the great throne wedding of Michael, but you courageously rejected this invitation. For this reason we cry out to you: Rejoice, for you are blessed with God, for you have loved the only Lord Jesus Christ. Rejoice, having placed all your trust in Him. Rejoice, for the holy great martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica appears as your heavenly patron. Rejoice, for this saint also became a commander on the Russian land. Rejoice, you did not give the city of Vladimir to the prince of Tver. Rejoice, you have placed your warriors in Pereyaslavl. Rejoice, for, according to the word of the Lord, you showed wisdom to the serpent in governing the Moscow principality. Rejoice, you who showed Christian love to the Horde ambassador. Rejoice, you who fearlessly made the journey to the Horde. Rejoice, you who have received this holy blessing. Rejoice, holy noble-believing Grand Duke and Governor of the Don Demetrius, defender of the Orthodox faith and Holy Rus'.
Kontakion 7
You wanted to gain the Glory of God for the Russian Land, and Grand Duke Demetrius was not afraid to go to the Horde, for you had the blessing of the Holy Church of Christ for this in the person of the pious elder Metropolitan Alexy, and you had his prayerful guidance to the city of Kolomna. The holy bishop attached great importance to this journey of his pupil, and trusting in God’s help, he sang: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
God is marvelous in His saints, for through the prayers of St. Alexis, St. Sergius and St. Theodore of Simanovsky, your pious courage was blessed, O pious Prince Demetrius, when you undertook your godly journey to the Horde, and when you returned with glory and the right to rule from the Horde, again in joy I bless and pray for you, prince, these holy men, who always have great boldness before the Lord. We, marveling at the power of God’s Spirit who dwells in you, sing and say to you: Rejoice, you who do all things with God and who fought for Him. Rejoice, thou clothed with the rank of king. Rejoice, you who guide the life of the great prince like an angel. Rejoice, you who strictly remain in fasting and abstinence. Rejoice, you who practiced your prayers without laziness. Rejoice, you who wear the cross of Christ on your shoulders. Rejoice, you who sit tall on the throne, with your heart thinking about the life of a hermit. Rejoice, every day you clothe yourself in monastic robes. Rejoice, having observed in purity all the divine days of fasting of the Orthodox Church. Rejoice, you who partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ every week. Rejoice, holy noble-believing Grand Duke and Governor of the Don Demetrius, defender of the Orthodox faith and Holy Rus'.
Kontakion 8
Every age and every male and female race of the Russian Land sacredly honors your memory, great Prince Demetrius, for there is no greater love than whoever lays down his soul for his friends, which you had. Our Lord and Savior of the world spoke brightly in the Gospel preaching of these sacred words, which were most powerfully and wonderfully fulfilled on you, Grand Duke Dimitri of the Don. We, marveling at the nobility of your soul, sing to God with a loud voice: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
You were all filled with zeal for the Orthodox faith, you stood up to defend the Fatherland of the Slavic race, delivering your people from the wicked Hagarians, and asceticizing yourself in battle against your enemies, you had God as your helper. And we honor this piety in you, valiant Prince Demetrius, when for thirty years you strengthened your spirit with the godly mentoring and prayers of holy men, you fought well against the enemies of your Fatherland. We, seeing the blessed fruit of your faith, strength of spirit and military strength, sing like this: Rejoice, you founded the Assumption Stromynsky Monastery in Moscow. Rejoice, protected by the blessing of the holy abbot Abba Sergius for this. Rejoice, you who have gathered the God-loving prayer books of the Russian Land to this monastery. Rejoice, through your prayers you can spiritually strengthen all of Rus' before the decisive battle of desire. Rejoice, having appointed the God-fearing Leonty as abbot to this monastery. Rejoice, you who honored this pious disciple, St. Sergius. Rejoice, you were willing to suffer for God’s faith and for God’s sake. Rejoice, you achieved success in the campaign against Volga Bulgaria. Rejoice, you have gloriously defeated Governor Begich. Rejoice, for this war was the eve of a great battle. Rejoice, holy noble-believing Grand Duke and Governor of the Don Demetrius, defender of the Orthodox faith and Holy Rus'.
Kontakion 9
The prophets of many things will not be able to adequately express your humility and courage, blessed Prince Demetrius. When you fell on your knees before Saint Abba Sergius, Abbot of Radonezh, and tearfully begged him for spiritual help, meekly asking yourself a blessing for the holy battle with the horde of filth. The great Abba Sergius looked tearfully at your humility and meekness, and as the great prophet of the Most High God predicted victory over the army of Mamai, prophesying many crowns on the heads of the Orthodox soldiers of the holy army of the prince. Remembering these great significant events, we sing glorifyingly to the Triune God in the Life-Giving Trinity: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Every Angelic and Archangelic nature rejoiced, the God-blessed heavenly councils of the holy martyrs and great martyrs moved, the righteous, reverend men and women, the hosts of saints and God's saints rejoiced, standing at the throne of God Almighty and from heaven I praised and blessed you, blessed Prince Demetrius, when I saw you Let us resolve and fearlessly go to the sacred battle against the enemies of your Orthodox Fatherland. For this reason, we all just say: Rejoice, comforted by your conversation with the great saint of the Russian Land, the Venerable Abbot Sergius. Rejoice, having trusted in his God-powerful prayers and in all the heavenly help of God. Rejoice, you have received the great blessing of God from the Venerable Elder Sergius. Rejoice, for this is a blessing for the battle with Mamai, for you hastened to a great just cause. Rejoice, and teach us to trust in God in our present sorrows. Rejoice, the announcement from Abba Sergius, the luminary of the Russian Land, about the victory of the numerous and proud Hagarians has once again arrived. Rejoice, for St. Sergius gave two monks to your holy army from the monastic face of those who resisted to help you. Rejoice, for before the battle Alexander and Rodion were sanctified by the monastic tonsure at the hands of the great abbot Sergius. Rejoice, for these two warrior monks are blessed by God from the holy abbot. Rejoice, for these two monks Alexander Peresvet and Rodion weakened in the forefront against the adversaries. Rejoice, for in the person of these two schema-monks, like Abba Sergius himself, is going to battle with you. Rejoice, for you have felt new strength in yourself from the deep blessing of Elder Sergius. Rejoice, for in the person of schemamonk Alexander Peresvet, Abba Sergius himself opposed and won against the Galiath warrior Mamaev. Rejoice, for you, too, through the prayers of St. Sergius, cried out to God, and brought victory to your enemies. Rejoice, holy noble-believing Grand Duke and Governor of the Don Demetrius, defender of the Orthodox faith and Holy Rus'.
Kontakion 10
Almighty God wants to save the Russian Land from the wicked Hagarians by showing the miracle and power of God that happened in the city of Vladimir. When the shrine itself opened with the holy relics of the blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky. The sexton monk saw this sign of God in the middle of the night and was greatly surprised, as if the candles in front of the tomb were kindling themselves. Understanding the presence of God, we too, with fear and trembling, will sing to the Incomprehensible God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
How great is the adamantine wall and the Lord’s intercession, this sign of God appeared, strengthening you, the all-honorable Prince Demetrius, when your great-grandfather, the holy, noble Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky, arose from the shrine of his relics with his spirit, and like a lion awakened in the power and glory of God, he flowed into battle with the wicked Hagarites. This was terrible when the sexton saw, and again, two radiant elders who came from the altar to the tomb of the Grand Duke, commanding and calling on him to quickly come to the aid and assist his great-grandson, Prince Dimitri, in victory. We marvel at this manifestation of God and cry out: Rejoice, Prince Demetrius strengthened by this Divine sign. Rejoice, against visible enemies, like a mountain eagle, fearlessly taking up arms. Rejoice, thou chosen field of Kulikovo for the great battle. Rejoice, for before the holy battle with Mamai the relics of your great-grandfather, Grand Duke Nevsky, were found incorruptible. Rejoice, for the help of the Lord from your great-grandfather has come to you invisibly. Rejoice, on the way where the battlefield was chosen, an icon with the image of St. Nicholas of Myra-Lycia was miraculously found. Rejoice, for this place of theophany has sinned you from the cold of mortal battle. Rejoice, for the sign of the revealed icon was a favorable sign for you. Rejoice, for this was the beginning of the foundation of the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery. Rejoice, for this place has been blessed by the great Saint Nicholas himself. Rejoice, for by the great white stone temple in this place you have been magnified in God’s glory. Rejoice, for you did not receive the throne of great princedom from Prince Vladislav of Serpukhov in vain, but at the right time. Rejoice, for that prince gave you the throne of Moscow, and united the Russian lands in humility. Rejoice, holy noble-believing Grand Duke and Governor of the Don Demetrius, defender of the Orthodox faith and Holy Rus'.
Kontakion 11
We offer all-contrite singing to you, Holy Prince Demetrius, when in the humility of your heart you raised your voice before your soldiers, calling on them to fight courageously and not be put to shame on the day of celebrating the Nativity of the Queen of the Most Holy Theotokos. It was wonderful how you, Grand Duke Demetrius, in your prayers called upon the Triune God, the Power of the Honorable Cross and the Mother of God, with a contrite heart placing all your sorrow and hope of victory on the Lord of Hosts. And here we will humbly pray to God, who set times and years in His power, and we will sing to Him a victorious song: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
You appeared as a light-receiving lamp of the holy princely family before your soldiers, blessed Prince Demetrius, calling on everyone to fight valiantly for the Lord’s sake on the battlefield with the enemies of God, and to equally zealously guard the shrines of Christ’s churches and the purity of the Orthodox faith. You, sick of the glory of Holy Rus', have cried out to your soldiers many times: do not be afraid of death and enemies who cannot kill souls. Stand for Holy Rus'! For by dying for God’s faith and the God-protected Fatherland, we will gain eternal life. We worship you, holy great prince Demetrius, as the bright commander of the Russian army, and remembering your love for God, always called upon your warriors in an Archangelic manner, constantly admonishing them, never in battle with enemies to think about earthly things, but most of all to be jealous about heavenly crowns. And we, bowing before your courage, sing to you with emotion: Rejoice, on the day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary you fought against the Hagarian hordes. Rejoice, you who did not spare your life for the sake of love for your neighbors. Rejoice, exceedingly chosen one of the Mother of God. Rejoice, you who most piously pleased Her with the purity of your heart. Rejoice, who said to your soldiers: “For if we live, for the sake of our Lord.” Rejoice, who once again said: “Even if we accept death, for the sake of our Lord.” Rejoice, you who were willing to fight with the image of the Savior Not Made by Hands on the military sign. Rejoice, jealous of the piety of your ancestors. Rejoice, the words will truly come true on you: “God is not in power, but in righteousness.” Rejoice, you who have with you a piece of the Life-Giving Tree of the Cross of the Lord. Rejoice, for your first warrior Alexander Peresvet quickly responded to the challenge of the enemy. Rejoice, for that blessed warrior of Elder Sergius stood up for all Holy Rus' in single combat with the proud Chelubey. Rejoice, where the flesh fails, there the Spirit of God overcomes. Rejoice, prince, for your warrior Alexander is not covered with a helmet and chain mail, but covered with schema-monastic crosses. Rejoice, as Alexander the monk armed himself with a military spear and the faith of Christ against the foreigner. Rejoice, as a princely monk who holds the battle for all the armies of the Russian Power. Rejoice, for on the battlefield the entire Russian land shuddered and awoke from the blow of two warriors who came together. Rejoice, for the mightiest Hagaran warrior has fallen. Rejoice, for the glorious warrior Peresvet is dead, still in the saddle. Rejoice, for he who is alive has firmly grasped the mane of his horse in advance. Rejoice, for by sitting in the saddle you have inspired and encouraged all your brother warriors. Rejoice, for this is a good sign. Rejoice, as the dead Peresvet rode on that horse across the entire field until the end of the battle and foreshadowed victory. Rejoice, Prince Demetrius, for through your warrior Holy Rus' has been glorified throughout the ages. Rejoice, for you too were not in the robes of a grand duke, but in the rubbish robes of a simple warrior, you fought zealously in the first ranks. Rejoice, for you were wounded with many wounds for the holy faith. Rejoice, holy noble-believing Grand Duke and Governor of the Don Demetrius, defender of the Orthodox faith and Holy Rus'.
Kontakion 12
Grace was given to you from God, holy prince, from the beginning of your youth, to rule the Russian country and its Orthodox people with goodness. We also thank the Lord, who gave the Russian land a brave commander, a fiery man of prayer, a wise builder of church shrines, a humble novice and interlocutor of the holy saints of God, and a Russian victorious man, who created such a wondrous victory over foreign enemies. We honor your valor and remember your victory over Mamai, and spiritually devoted to you, we reverently speak from mouth to mouth your holy life, which we have kept from generation to generation, glorifying and singing to Christ the Savior and our God: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing your sacred deeds, holy prince Demetrius, accomplished in this temporary life, especially the victory in the battle over Mamai, who won and through this saved our Orthodox Fatherland from the evil of the Hagarians. We worship you, for you have accomplished your course of good, kept your faith, and now God Christ, the Heavenly King and hero of our salvation, has crowned you with an incorruptible crown. For this reason, we pray to you, Holy Prince Demetrius, as you have boldly interceded for us at the Throne of the King of Glory, and to you we all joyfully cry out: Rejoice, you who were named Donskoy in the fierce battle on the Don River. Rejoice, you who were revealed as a God-powerful and skillful commander in battles with enemies. Rejoice, you who recognized the sign of God in the opposing wind and who wisely restrained the ambush regiment. Rejoice, for that regiment was careful to crush enemies with a two-edged sword. Rejoice, faithful on the battlefield to the executor of the words of Christ, who said that no one can do anything without Me. Rejoice, for in the revealed favorable wind you saw the will of God and commanded the prince of Volyn to enter into battle in a timely manner. Rejoice, for the ambush regiment in the battle between the Russians and the filthy brought a favorable outcome to the battle. Rejoice, God-loving warrior, for in this wind the Lord himself was with you. Rejoice, for that wind helped you by opening the banner with the face of the Lord in order to destroy all your enemies. Rejoice, for the bright angels, led by the Archangel Michael, helped you to wage war. Rejoice, for with you and with your warriors the holy martyrs marched through heaven. Rejoice, for with you and with your warriors were St. George the Victorious, Demetrius the Myrrh-Bearer and the passion-bearers Glebe and Boris. Rejoice, for from the cloud of God many crowns are descending on the heads of Orthodox soldiers. Rejoice, for at the beginning of the battle you made many prayers to the Savior and the Mother of God. Rejoice, for the Most Holy Heavenly Queen herself, with the holy Apostles, performed the funeral service for the souls of the slain soldiers on the battlefield. Rejoice, for the Mother of God accepted them into her most pure hands. Rejoice, for through God's help you have defeated the regiments of the filthy Hagarians, who outnumbered them three times. Rejoice, for with the small number of your soldiers, as with the small flock of Christ, you have put to shame the power of Satan. Rejoice, in the hope of the intercession and intercession of Abba Sergius the Venerable, God Christ did not put you to shame. Rejoice, for the Lord has kept you alive in this battle. Rejoice, having visited the venerable abbot with gratitude and performed services for those killed by soldiers in the Trinity Monastery with many tears. Rejoice, for you have exhausted all your bodily strength in mortal combat, but have not been extinguished by the Spirit of God. Rejoice, and even now every summer all Orthodox Russian children in churches commemorate all those killed by a soldier on Saturday of Demetrius. Rejoice, for you were deemed worthy to receive the Christian sacraments before your death at the hands of St. Sergius. Rejoice, holy noble-believing Grand Duke and Governor of the Don Demetrius, defender of the Orthodox faith and Holy Rus'.
Kontakion 13
Oh, great Russian commander and brave earthly warrior, noble prince, chosen one of God, citizen of the heavenly Kingdom of Jerusalem on high, holy good-victorious passion-bearer of Christ Demetrius! Accept from us the prayers now offered to you and save the Russian Fatherland and the Russian Church and the people of God from the yoke of foreigners. Pray to the Lord of the Heavenly Forces to give us strength from above to destroy enemies visible and invisible. Be a strong intercessor for the Slavic people of God, and we, sinful and unworthy descendants of your Great Powers, together with you on earth, as in heaven we will sing the glory of the Life-Giving Most Holy Trinity, an eternal song of gratitude: Alleluia.
Three times, then Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1
Prayer to the Holy Prince Dimitri Donskoy
Praising, we magnify you, holy blessed Grand Duke Demetrius! We offer thanksgiving to the triune God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, in the Trinity of one essence, glorified and confessed, as in heaven and on earth. Praising, we bless the Most Holy Theotokos, and most of all Her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the hero of heroism and the ever-reigning military leader and victorious over all enemies, visible and invisible, as from ancient times he deigned to raise up for us from the Russian people, wonderfully enlightened by the faith of Christ, the great saint of God, the glorious prince of Donskoy Demetrius, the very great defender of the Orthodox faith and all Holy Rus'. Like that great prince Dimitri, be for us the perfect image of how it is fitting to love the Russian Fatherland with all our hearts and protect the Kingdom of God on earth, keep the Orthodox faith and the covenants of the great saints of our ancestors. But most of all, the Lord showed us your self-sacrificing love, even for God the Savior Christ and your neighbors, which was revealed by you, holy Prince Demetrius, on the battlefield of the Kulikovo massacre, the glory of which battle shone in the Russian land, even more gloriously sanctified by your sovereign relative, the holy great Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir, for this sovereign enlightener deigned in a timely, providential and God-wise manner to baptize the Slavic people into the Orthodox faith of God. Do not leave us even now, great and glorious Prince of Donskoy Dimitri, hear us soon and help us preserve the Russian Land in the pious faith of Christ, teach us to walk in the commandments of the Lord and to love our neighbors with the selfless love of God. Protect us with your powerful prayers from the invasion of foreigners and the captivity of foreign adversaries, from their disastrous heresies and schisms, from the devastation of the Russian land, from famine and sinful uncleanness. We pray to you, chosen one of God, faithful Prince Demetrius, for in the life of earthly existence you appeared as the wisest peacemaker and gatherer of the scattered and warring princes of the Fatherland of the Slavic land. At every time and hour he showed his guardianship and zeal for God's good glory of the autocracy of Holy Rus'. Take care even now of the people of God living in the Slavic lands and send them your heavenly help and the mind of God, creating, uniting and multiplying the Kingdom of God in the Orthodox country of Russia. Overthrow all the destroyers of the Orthodox Fatherland and all the destroyers and molesters of the Russian Christian people, so that through your righteous struggle the enemies of Christ will quickly suffer shame and destruction on the Slavic land. And if everything impossible is possible for God, by the power of the Cross of the Lord and the help of the Mother of God, drive out the filthy and treacherous enemies from our Fatherland. We pray to you, holy God-bearing Prince Demetrius, ask the Lord, the Father of Lights and God the Son of Jesus Christ, enlightening the whole world with the Holy Spirit, may the Spirit of Truth descend upon us from above, giving insight to the Russian people lying in darkness and the shadow of death, may the Glory of God shine in our sons Russians, may the fullness of knowledge of the Orthodox faith and the love of God come, may they complete us with Christ’s perfection: acquire piety, acquire the fear of God within the heart, have holy faith and nobility, do not abandon respect for parents, possess parents with the wisdom of God, preserve their children in the fear of God , stand as a warrior in the Orthodox faith and protect your Fatherland. For those who strive on the path of Christ, ask for a spirit of divine zeal, not only for the earthly Fatherland, but also for the heavenly Fatherland. With your prayers, Prince Dimitri, fill the hearts of the faint-hearted with courage in battles with enemies visible and invisible. Strengthen the pious guardians and guardians of the Russian land, ask God for them to have eagle vigilance for all the machinations of the enemy, always remain faithful to each other and impartial. Encourage Orthodox pastors to have care and love for the children of Christ’s Church, ask the worldly people for the mind of God and the spirit of humility to be obedient to the teaching of the Gospel’s soul-saving word, to the teachings of the Holy Apostles and the teachings of the Holy Fathers of the Church. Help the God-loving saints to protect the entrusted flock of Christ from various flattering wolves who come to stealthily divide, plunder and seduce Christian souls, teach the rich to be merciful and merciful to the poor and disadvantaged, and grant everyone everything they need through their prayers, so that they do not perish from despondency and despair, support the old, strengthen the weak, heal the sick, so that through all your beneficial intercessions we, sinful servants of God (names), may join in the works of the faith of Christ and be worthy to acquire in ourselves the fullness of God’s love, nourished by its fruits, and follow you in the heavenly abodes, bright prince Demetrius, where you are now following the paths of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that we too will be worthy of this heavenly sweetness in the kingdom of God Christ, and now we will receive the comforting heavenly cover of the Most Blessed Mother of God, the speedy Intercessor of the entire Christian race, and through Her prayers and Motherly love, we can gain and achieve God-pleasing tea earthly prosperity and the eternal heritage of the Heavenly Kingdom, you, also the holy prince Demetria, in the host of the holy righteous of the sunbound shy and, in the endless eyelids, have fun and the fiery face of the god of Christ with His Holy Light enjoy and saturated, coupled with all the sakes of God, raising the tris -blessed song of the Libra and the Life -giving trinet Inseparable, to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer to the blessed prince Dimitry Donskoy
Oh, holy servant of God, righteous Demetrius! Having fought a good fight on earth, you received in Heaven the crown of righteousness, which the Lord has prepared for all who love Him. Moreover, looking at your holy image, we rejoice at the glorious end of your life and honor your holy memory. But you, standing before the Throne of God, accept our prayers and bring them to the All-Merciful God, to forgive us every sin and help us to stand against the wiles of the devil, so that we may be freed from sorrows and illnesses, troubles and misfortunes and all evil, let us live piously and righteously in the present and through your intercession we will be worthy, even though we are unworthy, to see good on the earth of the living, glorifying the One in His saints, glorifying God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, we not and forever and ever. Amen.
Second prayer to the blessed prince Dimitry Donskoy
The Russian army of Christ, the collector, the glorious prince and governor of the Don, Dimitri, the wise military commander, the martyr's host of the holy warriors of Christ, the leader, with many princes, servants at hand to me and my faithful friends my soul for the Holy Faith and the Orthodox Fatherland, blessed by the Venerable Sergius of Radonezh, beloved by the Mother of God, Pray to the Most Holy Trinity, that all God's warriors in the land of Russia, separated from each other and divided by the spirit of satanic malice into one flock of Christ, will be gathered together by Orthodox faith and love by God, united with each other and led by you, on the fields of spiritual battle and in the battles of earthly all enemies those who hate God will soon be defeated, and the glory of Holy Russia will be increased, grace will be attracted to the Russian land, and the Orthodox Kingdom of God will be seen on their Russian land; they will bear worthy fruit of repentance for their sins; and as a great gift from God, they will be crowned with a God-anointed king in the Slavic land; and from this God-chosen Orthodox autocratic Russian Tsar they will receive blessings; and under his hierarchical authority, the Orthodox faithful will become accustomed to the piety; The yoke of Satan will be crushed and the purity of the Gospel light will be revealed to the whole world, just as you, the all-honorable Prince Demetrius, have now seen the Kingdom of Heaven, and stand before the Great Bishop, Mr. Under the Savior Jesus Christ, and from His Most High God's Goodness, we believe that we can ask for great mercies You can, and we too will always magnify the Glory of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, especially your holy great princely leadership for Holy Russia, like a great commander in the great Which battle we remember and honor, where the glory of your righteous life, Prince Dimitri, shines before all the heavenly Angels and Archangels, holy men and sinful people, and ever-present to us on earth, to all of us for the faith of Christ, the Fatherland and the Tsar, to stand inspired to death, always, now, ever and forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer three to the blessed prince Dimitry Donskoy
Oh, holy blessed Grand Duke Demetrius! Even if the days of your earthly life were not many, you have received a great lot from the Creator of all, the Lord, to become famous in the Russian lands and receive eternal bliss in Heaven. Hear us, warm prayer book, our vigilant representative before the Lord! In days of peace and in times of trouble, do not leave us under your care, teach us to be submissive to Divine Providence, everything in our life is for the good of the one who guides, our fatherland through your prayers from the invasions of enemies, Protect and strengthen the ditches and unstructures with your warm intercession. O holy saint of God! Pray, together with your holy wife and companion, the blessed princess Evdokia, that the light of the face of God may shine upon us, and, with this instruction, we will reach the Kingdom of the Truth of Christ, the endless and eternal ́chnago. Amen.
Troparion
voice 3
Great will you find in troubles, the champion of the Russian land, / conquering languages. / Just as you laid down your pride on the Don Mamaev, / for this feat you received the blessing of the Venerable Sergius, / so, prince Demetrius, / pray to Christ God, / to grant us great mercy.
Kontakion
voice 2
Your exploits, Saint Demetrius, / God will save our country, / giving you invincible strength. / And now, a strong representative, / observe with the prayers of the saints / your city Moscow is unharmed / / from all the slander enemies.
