During the restoration of the Archangel Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin, workers dismantled tombstones in the crypt and opened three sarcophagi. In one of them, it is claimed, the relics of the famous Moscow prince of the 14th century, Dmitry Donskoy, are definitely preserved.
During the renovation, one of the sarcophagi had to be partially pulled out of its unique brick casing, as there was a danger of its collapse and damage to the remains. After this, specialists began to examine the contents of the coffin.
However, the Russian Orthodox Church has already stated that the authenticity of the fully preserved remains of Dmitry Donskoy is confirmed by a combination of historical information, archaeological data, and the results of anthropological research. Only the lid of the sarcophagus was damaged.
Patriarch Kirill has already held a prayer service near the found relics. After his blessing, particles of the relics are planned to be distributed to Orthodox churches in various regions of Russia.
Putin's aide Vladimir Medinsky called the discovery of Dmitry Donskoy's relics "almost fairytale-like," unexpected, and very symbolic.
Moreover, the burial place of the prince was known earlier. As early as 2007, then-Patriarch Alexy II asked for parts of the relics to be removed from the sarcophagus, but the work was stopped then due to technical difficulties in accessing the burial site. In two other sarcophagi, it is believed, lie the relics of Princes Ivan II the Red (Dmitry Donskoy's father) and Dmitry Zhilka (son of Grand Prince Ivan III of Moscow).
Dmitry Donskoy reigned in Moscow from 1359 to 1389. In Russia, he is primarily revered for his victory over the Tatars led by Temnik Mamai on September 8, 1380.
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