Rev. Alexander Peresvet and Andrei Oslyabya, disciples of St. Sergius

Alexander of Radonezh
, in the world
Peresvet
(+ 1380), schemamonk, venerable Memory on September 7, together with St. Andrei Oslyabey, in the Cathedrals of Bryansk, Moscow, Radonezh and Tula saints

Peresvet was a Bryansk boyar, an experienced warrior. He took monastic vows with the name Alexander.

On August 18, 1380, the noble Prince of Moscow Demetrius asked St. Sergius of Radonezh for a blessing for the Battle of Kulikovo and also asked to give him 2 warriors as reinforcements - brothers [1] Alexander-Peresvet and Andrei-Oslyabya. The calling of monastic fighters had primarily spiritual significance. The Monk Sergius gave them “ instead of perishable weapons, an incorruptible one - the cross of Christ, sewn on the schemas, and ordered them to put on themselves instead of gilded helmets

".
Having transferred the schema warriors to the prince’s disposal, the Monk Sergius told them: “ Peace be with you, my brothers, fight hard against the filthy Tatars, like good warriors, for the faith of Christ and for all Orthodox Christianity
.”

On the way to the battle, Alexander-Peresvet stopped in the cell of a hermit who lived on the site of the future Dimitrievsky Monastery. Having donned military armor, the heroic monk gave the hermit his traveling staff, made of a solid apple tree. Since then, the staff has become a local relic [2].

On the day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, before the start of the Battle of Kulikovo, Alexander-Peresvet accepted the challenge of the hero Chelubey from the army of Mamai and entered into single combat with him. The warriors hit their spears, both fell from their horses and died. The “drawn” outcome of the duel revealed the spiritual power of the blessing of St. Sergius, inspired the Russian troops and became the key to their historic victory.

A monk from the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, who visited one of the Tibetan monasteries in the mid-1980s, testified that the victory of Peresvet was described in a special “holy” monastic book as a most important event that fell outside the usual course of things. It turns out that Chelubey was not just an experienced warrior and hero - he was a Tibetan monk who was trained not only in the martial arts system, but also mastered the ancient practice of Bon-po combat magic [3], reached the heights of this initiation and acquired the status of “immortal” . It was believed that such a warrior monk was practically invincible. The number of such Tibetan warriors was extremely small; they were considered a special phenomenon in the spiritual practice of Tibet. That is why it was Chelubey who was put up for single combat with Peresvet - in order to spiritually break the Russians even before the start of the battle. Peresvet went into battle without armor - in the vestments of a Russian monk of the Great Schema and with a spear in his hand. He received a mortal wound from Chelubey, but killed the “immortal”. This caused complete confusion for the Tatar army: before their eyes something happened that, in principle, could not happen, the usual course of things was disrupted and the immutable laws of the pagan world were shaken [4].

Childhood and youth

The history of Russia knows many names that influenced its course. Brothers Alexander Peresvet and Andrei Oslyabya accomplished a feat of arms and forever remained heroes of the Russian land. Their calling was of a spiritual nature, but the monks stood for their homeland with heroic strength.

The exact date of birth of the hero is unknown. The literary work “Zadonshchina” describes some moments from the life of Alexander Peresvet and confirms the origin. According to legend, the Christian, originally from Bryansk, was Oslyaba’s cousin. According to legend, the brothers came from a noble boyar family and were famous warriors before taking monastic vows. The boys spent their youth in labors and prayers, learning the harsh school of life. They were raised according to God's law, instilling love for their homeland and faith in it.

Alexander Peresvet and Andrey Oslyabya. Drawing by Viktor Vasnetsov / Wikipedia

Every boy of a noble family was trained in military affairs from childhood. They had considerable experience of battles and victories behind them. The brothers were popularly considered the best riders. Nothing is known about the life of Peresvet, since literary sources describe only the main feat, without going into details of the biography. Together with Oslyabya, he decided to become a monk and took monastic vows at the Boris and Gleb Monastery, founded in 1363. Later the monks moved to the monastery of the Life-Giving Trinity.

The reality of those years is judged by chronicles and records, which contain many exaggerations and distortions of facts. It is difficult to talk about their objectivity. The only thing historians agree on is the statement that by the time Dmitry Donskoy arrived at the monastery, Alexander Peresvet lived there in the rank of monastic schemamonk.

Duel with Chelubey

The duel between Peresvet and Chelubey is one of the key moments of the Battle of Kulikovo. Medieval battles often began with fights between rivals fielded by both sides. It was a kind of military ritual, because the victory of one and the defeat of the other was interpreted by both armies as an omen.

From the ranks of Mamai’s army, the hero Chelubey, a Pecheneg by origin, rode onto the field. True, in “The Tale of the Massacre of Mamayev” the name of the Tatar fighter is Temir-Murza. The name Chelubey first appears in the 17th century in a compilation of Russian history “for the general public” called “Synopsis”. From there, this name migrated to numerous popular prints, and then to educational and fiction literature.

Temir-Murza-Chelubey was, as “The Tale of the Massacre of Mamayev” narrates, a man of enormous strength and excellent military training. This is how he is described in this source: “Boasting his valor before everyone, he looks like the ancient Goliath: his height is five fathoms and his width is three fathoms.”

There is a version that Temir-Murza was not just a skilled warrior, but a follower of the ancient Tibetan sect Bon(g)-po. He reached the heights of initiation in this cult and had the status of “immortal.” The expression “bon(g)-po” can be translated as “school of combat magic speech.” This is a martial art in which the effectiveness of fighting techniques increases infinitely by attracting the power of powerful demons through magical spells. However, this is nothing more than a version that does not have any serious confirmation.

Be that as it may, Peresvet accepted the challenge of Chelubey (Temir-Murza). “The Legend...” speaks about it this way: “Stepping out from the ranks, he said: “This man is looking for someone like himself, I want to talk to him!” And he had a helmet on his head, like an archangel’s, and he was armed with a schema at the behest of Abbot Sergius. And he said: “Fathers and brothers, forgive me, a sinner! My brother, Andrei Oslyabya, pray to God for me!”

The author of “The Legend...” reports that the fighters came together in the middle of the field, knocked each other out of their saddles with spears, and both died on the spot.

Church tradition tells a slightly different story about this fight. Peresvet saw that Chelubey had a longer spear than usual. Converging with him, the warriors flew out of the saddle without even having time to use their weapons. Peresvet fearlessly went out against his opponent without military armor, hoping that the Pecheneg’s spear would pierce him and then he would be within striking distance of Chelubey. And so it happened. Having run into the tip of Chelubey’s spear, Peresvet managed to deliver such a blow that his opponent fell to the ground dead. And Peresvet himself, although mortally wounded, was able to gallop to the ranks of the Russian army and breathed his last in the arms of his comrades. Both died, but it looked like Chelubey was defeated, and Peresvet returned victorious to his own.

It is impossible not to mention that in “Zadonshchina” there is not a word about the fight with Chelubey. But Peresvet is in the text of “Zadonshchina”. At the height of the battle, he is still alive and “glows with gilded armor.”

Fights and the Battle of Kulikovo

The 14th century was difficult for the Russian land. The Golden Horde tortured her under the Tatar-Mongol yoke. The Moscow kingdom strengthened by uniting forces, and several princes managed to resist the offenders. By doing this, they instilled faith in their companions, who were ready to fight injustice. In 1376, the Horde began to be pushed south. Troops gathered from everywhere to fight back.

Miniature “Sergius of Radonezh blesses Peresvet before the Massacre of Mamaev” / Wikipedia

Dmitry Donskoy visited the monastery where the famous Sergius of Radonezh served. Alexander Peresvet also lived there. The prince needed spiritual support. For her, he came to the righteous man, who gave two monks to help, blessing her for the military cause. The abbot hoped that the monks would be able to inspire the army. The monk conducted a service and tonsured Alexander Peresvet and Andrei Oslyublya into the great schema. Having given the highest church rank, Radonezhsky released the brothers to fight for a just cause.

The men were not young, but they had strength, experience and knowledge about military affairs. Spiritual wisdom made them real heroes.

Alexander Peresvet. Artist Pavel Ryzhenko / Pavel Pyzhenko

The battle took place on September 8, 1380. The Russian army crossed the Don. According to estimates, it numbered 40-60 thousand people. The Moscow regiment, in which Peresvet was a member, was the main force. The day before, a combat review took place, and in the morning the formation was accepted. Before the Battle of Kulikovo Field, Peresvet performed a rite of worship in the hermit’s cell of the chapel of Dmitry of Thessalonica, built in the 4th century. Subsequently, the Dimitrievsky Ryazhsky Monastery was founded there. Having completed the prayer, the monk left his apple staff in his cell and left the monastery.

The battle waited for several hours, after which the enemy came out from the direction of the forest. In those days, the battle began with a duel between the best warriors on each side. In accordance with the rules, he went until the death of one of his opponents. Some wars were limited to victory in a duel and ended without major losses. This event was important for those present, as it gave a psychological boost.

Documentary film “Peresvet and Oslyabya: what doesn’t fit into the official history?”

The Russians made Alexander Peresvet their representative. On the Tatar side he was opposed by the famous warrior-day laborer Chelubey, the favorite of Khan Mamai. He was the strongest and most cunning enemy hired by the horde. His appearance was described by reference to his height of 5 fathoms. According to legend, Chelubey was a warrior who adhered to a sectarian belief: worship of the cosmos, or more precisely, the elements, spirits and ethers that it conceals. Among like-minded people, the warrior occupied one of the primary places. Therefore, he was often exhibited in fights. Chelubey was the personification of strength increased by the spirit and God's will.

Before the battle on the Kulikovo Field, the hero did not know defeat and was known for his well-aimed javelin throw. During the duel, the rivals rode towards each other on horses and, putting their spears forward, rushed at full speed. At the decisive moment of the collision, Peresvet and Chelubey simultaneously thrust their weapons into each other, but the Russian warrior managed to stay in the saddle longer, and this marked the victory.

Duel between Peresvet and Chelubey. Painting by Viktor Vasnetsov / Wikipedia

According to one of the beliefs, Peresvet deliberately did not put on armor, deliberately sacrificing himself. Knowing about the enemy’s cunning and the elongated spear, he understood that he would quickly be defeated, and the blade would easily pierce him, making it possible to reach Chelubey. Protected only by an Orthodox cross and a monastic robe, the knight won and fell, reaching his comrades. The cause of death was a deep wound.

The victory of Peresvet strengthened the spirit of the soldiers, and they managed to put the Tatars to flight. Thousands of representatives of the enemy side were killed. The battle played a big role in confronting the Horde. It motivated the Russian princes to unite in the fight for their homeland. The Battle of Kulikovo served as the starting point for the overthrow of the Tatar-Mongol yoke and the liberation of Rus'.

“Invisibly reborn in visible dying”

Alexander Blok, in a note to his famous cycle “On the Kulikovo Field,” wrote: “The Battle of Kulikovo belongs ... to the symbolic events of Russian history. Such events are destined to return.” Probably no one has said this more insightfully.

Miniature from the manuscript “The Tale of the Massacre of Mamayev”, 17th century.

From eighth to first

665 years ago, on October 12, in Moscow, the son of Ivan Kalita, Ivan Ivanovich, gave birth to a boy, named Dimitri in baptism. A very frightening reality surrounded him. Rus' was conquered, fragmented and devastated. In addition, constant civil strife and fratricidal struggle for power again and again plunge arrows into the wounded body of Rus'. Brothers Boris and Gleb, the first Russian saints, canonized by that time as martyrs-passion-bearers, were a silent reproach to their contemporaries and foolish descendants.

It seemed that the struggle for power would not affect baby Dmitry. In the list of contenders for the Moscow reign, he took only eighth place. But God had a different Providence. Just three years later, at the beginning of 1353, Moscow was swept by an epidemic of pneumonic plague, which at that time was raging throughout Europe. The “Black Death” (this is the name the epidemic received in history) did not spare the Grand Duke of Vladimir Semyon, all his sons and brother Andrei Ivanovich. This cup has passed for Ivan Ivanovich and his family. Apparently, the Lord, through the intercession of father and son - princes Alexander Nevsky and Daniil of Moscow (not yet canonized saints) - on behalf of their descendants, could not allow the disappearance of the entire family. Otherwise, the Moscow principality would have been escheated, and Moscow’s leading role would not have taken place. Thus, Ivan Ivanovich, nicknamed by his contemporaries “Red” (there is a version that the nickname was given to the prince due to his exceptional appearance: “red” - handsome; according to another versions, the origin of the nickname is more prosaic: the prince was born a week after Easter - on Krasnaya Gorka; in the chronicles there are also other names of Ivan Ivanovich that speak about his character - “Merciful” and “Meek”). His son Dmitry became the first heir to the Moscow throne. Ivan Ivanovich reigned for a relatively short time - only six years. He died at the age of 33 on November 13, 1359, having shortly before his death adopted the schema.

Sergey Kirillov. Dmitry Donskoy. 2005

Dmitry, who was only 9 years old, became the formal head of the principality. His upbringing was supervised by his mother, Princess Alexandra, and the future Saint Alexy (Byakont), Metropolitan of Moscow, who played a huge role in the political and church life of that time, became his guardian. It is remarkable that the successor of the then baby Simeon (early chronicle sources say that this was the name given to the future saint at baptism) was John Danilovich, Dmitry’s grandfather, who later received the nickname Kalita. This is the connection with the family of Moscow princes. Later, Metropolitan Alexy would become the patron of the entire ruling dynasty, and indeed the entire power uniting around Moscow.

The church situation at that time was extremely complex: the Russian Church was dependent on Constantinople, and archpastors were often not independent in making decisions (for example, Metropolitan Alexy waited in Constantinople for almost a year for the patriarchal letter, officially “installing” him as Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Rus'; after some time he was forced to go to Constantinople again to confirm his rights in a dispute with the Lithuanian Metropolitan Roman, a protege of Prince Olgerd).

Crossfire

Lithuania and the Horde tried to fragment the Moscow principality from two fronts

The foreign policy situation was also tense: in addition to the constant pressure of the Horde, the Principality of Lithuania was rapidly gaining strength in the west. The rulers of Lithuania, without abandoning paganism (the already mentioned Prince Olgerd, for example, according to legend, was baptized only on his deathbed, and according to German historical sources, he died a pagan), skillfully maneuvered between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, trying to split the Russian Metropolis in their own interests. Now it’s hard to imagine, but in 1362, the Grand Duke of Lithuania Olgerd Gediminovich, having defeated three Horde princes, included Kiev, Podolia, Posemye and South Pereyaslavl into his state, ending the tributary dependence of these lands on the Golden Horde. In addition, Olgerd sought to gain independence from Rus' in church affairs: the Synod of Constantinople in July 1361 assigned the western bishoprics of Lithuania (Polotsk, Turov and Novgorod bishoprics) and the dioceses of Little Rus' to Olgerd’s protege, Metropolitan Roman. Roman's dispute with Alexy over Kyiv ended only with Roman's death in 1362. Moreover, the Principality of Lithuania, on the one hand, being the conductor of the confessional and political plans of the Vatican in relation to Rus', on the other, pursued a policy of maneuvering between strong foreign policy players in its own interests. Thus, it can be argued that Lithuania and the Horde tried on two fronts to fragment the Moscow principality and keep it at a tributary level of development.

The internal political situation was also extremely difficult. Cities changed hands. Young Dmitry went to the Horde in the winter of 1359–1360. The new ruler of the Horde, Navruz, decided to give the label for the great reign of Vladimir to Andrei Konstantinovich of Nizhny Novgorod, and not to Dmitry. Andrei Konstantinovich, in turn, renounced his reign in favor of his younger brother, Dmitry, Prince of Suzdal. The Principality of Galicia and part of Rostov were also transferred by the khan to other princes. Thus, the borders of the Moscow principality actually returned to 1327, that is, to the time before Ivan Kalita received the label for the reign of Vladimir. In such a difficult situation, the reign of Dmitry Ivanovich began.

A.M. Vasnetsov. Moscow Kremlin under Dmitry Donskoy

The relationship between Dmitry Ivanovich and Dmitry Konstantinovich, naturally, was not easy. But when the Muscovites helped the latter defend Nizhny Novgorod, Dmitry Konstantinovich renounced his claims to the great reign of Vladimir. And on January 18, 1367, a very important event happened in the life of Dmitry Ivanovich: he married Evdokia of Suzdal, daughter of Dmitry Konstantinovich. The happy 22-year union produced eight sons and four daughters.

Relations with the Tver Principality were also difficult. On the one hand, Mamai constantly speculated on the grand-ducal label, playing on the interests of the Moscow Prince Dmitry Ivanovich and Tverskoy Mikhail Alexandrovich. At the same time, the Principality of Lithuania acted in the interests of Tver (including military assistance) (Mikhail Tverskoy was married to the sister of the Lithuanian Prince Olgerd).

Recognized leader

The power of the Moscow prince was confirmed by his military victories

Despite such a difficult situation, in the conditions of intertwining foreign policy with domestic policy, Dmitry Ivanovich managed to strengthen his position: first of all, he subjugated many Russian princes and thereby became a recognized political leader in Rus'. He also gradually achieved economic independence from the Horde (at first he managed to negotiate with Mamai to reduce the tribute, and later to completely abolish it). And finally, the power of the Moscow prince was confirmed by his military victories. In 1376 he besieged the Volga city of Bulgar. The Tatar army was forced to capitulate, pay indemnity and accept the tribute collector. And in 1378, on August 11, on Ryazan land near the Vozha River, the troops sent by Mamai to Rus' suffered a crushing defeat.

But significant events also took place in the Horde at this time: by the second half of the 14th century, the Horde had noticeably weakened, lost territory and split into several khanates. In addition, bloody dynastic feuds constantly occurred between the descendants of Khan Jochi. This contributed to the advancement of Mamai to the top of the Horde power, who began his reign in the western part of the Horde - in the space between the Volga and Dnieper, in the Crimea and Ciscaucasia. At the same time, a strong opponent of Mamai appeared - a blood descendant of Jochi Khan Tokhtamysh: by 1380 he captured Sarai, threatening his further advance into the western half of the ulus. In such a situation, the autocratic Mamai had no choice but to strengthen himself with Russian resources, take Moscow, and then oppose the dynastically legitimate khan.

“Think of nothing earthly!”

Russian cities send soldiers to Moscow. Fragment of the Yaroslavl icon “Sergius of Radonezh with the Life”

In the summer of 1380, Mamai set out with a huge army: “with all the princes of Ordinsky and with all the strength of the Tatar and Polovtsian. Moreover, he hired troops, Besermen and Armen, Fryaz and Cherkasy and Burtasy, and with him, in one mind, the great Prince of Lithuania Yagailo Olgerdovich with all the power of Lithuania and Lyatsky, with them in unity and Prince Oleg Ivanovich Ryazansky. According to some sources, the number of the Horde army was up to 100–150 thousand people. “The Legend of the Massacre of Mamai” conveys the words of Mamai as follows: “I,” he declared to his comrades, “I don’t want to do something like Batu, but when I finish Rus' and kill their prince, and the red cities that dominate us, we will also sit in Russia.” we own...” Dmitry Ivanovich, having learned about the enemy’s advance, begins to gather an army. The number of our troops was about a third less than that of the Horde. Realizing that military preparations are only a small fraction of success in battle, Dmitry Ivanovich seriously devoted himself to spiritual strengthening: after serving prayers in the Kremlin Assumption Cathedral in front of the images of the Savior, the Most Holy Theotokos, St. Peter and in the Archangel Cathedral in front of the image of the Archangel Michael, he went to the Trinity Monastery .

“Fight hard against the filthy, like good warriors, for the faith of Christ and for all Orthodox Christianity”

According to legend, Sergius of Radonezh began to persuade the prince to avoid bloodshed, but by that time all possibilities had already been exhausted. The enemy army was approaching and wanted only one thing: victory. Then the Reverend, having prayed to God, quietly said to the prince: “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.” And he blessed two of his monks - former warriors - to go to battle along with Prince Dmitry. These were Alexander Peresvet and Andrey Oslyabya. Both of them came from noble boyar families. Advising them, the Reverend said: “Peace be with you, my brothers! Fight hard against the filthy Tatars, like good warriors, for the faith of Christ and for all Orthodox Christianity.”

Lissner Ernest Ernestovich. Trinity-Sergius Lavra (Reverend Sergius of Radonezh blesses Prince Dmitry Ivanovich, going to battle with Mamai)

The battle took place on the Kulikovo field, between the Don and Nepryadva rivers, and began (are there simply “coincidences” in history?) on September 8, the day of the celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The squad dissuaded Prince Dmitry Ivanovich from taking direct part in the battle, because at that time this almost inevitably meant his death. To this the prince replied: “Yes, I will say: “My brothers, let us pull everyone together!” – and will I begin to cover my face and bury myself back? I can’t be in that way, but I want to lay down my head for my brothers and for all the peasants, and others, in word and in deed, before everyone and in front of everyone, and having seen that, they will take boldness with zeal.”

“The Legend of the Massacre of Mamaev” conveys the words of Dmitry Ivanovich to the army before the battle: “Fathers and brothers, strive for the Lord and the saints for the sake of the churches and the Christian faith, for this is death ... and eternal life; and think nothing, brethren, of earthly things, let us not turn aside to our own, O warriors, so that we may cling to the crowns of victory from Christ our God and the salvation of our souls!”

Avilov Mikhail Ivanovich. Duel between Peresvet and Chelubey on the Kulikovo Field, 1943. State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg

With a cry of “Woe to us! Christians have made us wise!..” Mamai’s warriors rushed to run

The battle began with a duel between Alexander Peresvet and the Horde warrior Chelubey. Both warriors died, but the Russian warrior monk was recognized as the winner, who managed not to fall out of the saddle and reach his regiments. Immediately after this, the opposing troops converged. Russian soldiers, with faith in the intercession of the Most Holy Lady, strengthened by the prayer of St. Sergius, inspired by the instructions of their leader, rushed into battle. Indeed, according to the words of the Reverend, the battle was for all of Orthodox Christianity, because without this victory, without the princes uniting around Moscow, it is unknown what would have awaited our Fatherland. “And I stepped on the strong beating, but I crashed against myself, I died under the horse’s feet, I suffocated from the great cramped space, as if I couldn’t fit in on the Kulikovo field, the place is cramped between the Don and the Sword. On that field, strong regiments stepped down, from them came bloody dawns from the brilliance of the sword, great was the knock and sound from the breaking of a penny, as if it were not powerful to hear, nor to see the terrible and bitter hour, when a thousand of God’s creations are perishing...” Dmitry Ivanovich was wounded and “needfully bow down from the carnage, as if he were not powerful.” The Russian forces began to weaken, but the ambush regiment of Prince Vladimir Andreevich came to their aid. Russian warriors, “like falcons trained” for larks, attacked the Horde from the rear. The outcome of the battle was decided. With a cry of “Woe to us! Christians have made us wise!..” Mamai’s warriors rushed to run, and “not a single one could be spared, for their horses were darkened.”

Mamai himself barely escaped. But he ingloriously lost his struggle for power in the Horde and Rus'. From now on, Prince Dmitry Ivanovich began to be called Donskoy with love and gratitude for this victory. After the glorious victory, Dmitry Donskoy again visited Sergius of Radonezh to give praise to God, the Most Holy Theotokos and God's righteous man.

Faces of saints

Icon of St. blgv. book Dimitry Donskoy

At the time of the victory in the Battle of Kulikovo, Prince Dmitry Donskoy was a little less than 30 years old. He still had a difficult path ahead of him: nine years of reign. There will also be military defeats, disputes with appanage princes, and a conflict with Metropolitan Cyprian. But the main task of life was completed: Rus' felt its strength, Rus' united, Rus' rebelled.

The Grand Duke died at the age of 39 on May 19, 1389. Shortly before his death, he wrote a will, according to which he transferred the great reign of Vladimir to his eldest son as his “fatherland.” This was the first such case, because the fate of the great reign was always decided in the Horde. Also in the will there are remarkable words: “And God will change the Horde, my children will not be given access to the Horde, and whichever my son takes tribute on his inheritance, then that is it.” Thus, for the first time, hope was documented for the abolition of tribute payments, and, consequently, for the end of dependence on the Horde.

The Church canonized the prince in the year of the 1000th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus'. Memory of the Holy Blessed Prince Dimitry Donskoy - May 19 / June 1. Also, his memory is celebrated in the Cathedral of Tula Saints - September 22 / October 5. The relics of the blessed prince are kept in the Archangel Cathedral of the Kremlin.

St. Alexy, Metropolitan of Moscow

This was the time of people who were great in their exploits and holy in their lives. Metropolitan Alexy died on February 12, 1378 “in the morning hour”, not having lived to see the Kulikovo victory for just over two years, but, undoubtedly, during his lifetime he made every effort to ensure that this victory took place. We believe that even after his death the saint, through his intercession and intercession, did not abandon either the Grand Duke, his principality and descendants, or the entire Fatherland. Doesn't leave to this day. 50 years after his death, Metropolitan Alexy was canonized as a saint. Since 1947, his relics have rested in the Epiphany Cathedral in Elokhov, Moscow.

Evdokia Dmitrievna, the wife of Dmitry Donskoy, was known to her contemporaries for her charity. In the capital, the princess built a large number of churches and monasteries. In 1407, after a vision of the Archangel Michael, who foreshadowed her imminent death, she became a monk at the Ascension Convent with the name Euphrosyne. Soon after this, having lived 54 years, the nun Euphrosyne departed to the Lord. The Church celebrates the memory of the holy blessed princess on May 17/30 and July 7/20. In 2007, the 600th anniversary of her repose was celebrated, in commemoration of which, on August 21 of the same year, a new award of the Russian Orthodox Church was established - the Order of St. Euphrosyne, Grand Duchess of Moscow. And most recently, on July 13, 2015, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church established the celebration of the common memory of the holy saints Prince Dimitry Donskoy and Princess Evdokia on May 19 / June 1. You can venerate the relics of the blessed princess in the chapel of the martyr Uara of the Archangel Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin.

“Through your favorites, father, and through my missals, you defeated your enemies.”

After the battle, the bodies of schemamonks Alexander Peresvet and Andrei Oslyabi were brought to Staroe Simonovo and buried near the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The graves of the heroes of the Battle of Kulikovo, monks Peresvet and Oslyabi, near the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in Stary Simonovo in Moscow. Sculptor Vyacheslav Klykov

According to legend, when asked by St. Sergius about the fate of his monks, the Grand Duke replied: “With your favorites, Father, and with my servants, he defeated his enemies. Your, father, weapon, named Peresvet, defeated his own kind. And if, father, it were not your armor, then, father, many Christians would have to drink a bitter cup!” In the Trinity Monastery they served the Great Memorial Service for all those killed, and from then on, the parental Saturday called Dimitrievskaya began to be served in the Church from year to year, “as long as Russia stands.” The time of the local canonization of Saints Alexander and Andrew is unknown. In the 17th century, their names were included in the calendar. In 1981, the names of the holy warrior monks were included in the Council of Radonezh Saints. Their memory was determined to be celebrated on the eve of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (the day of the Battle of Kulikovo) - September 7/20.

Saint Sergius of Radonezh, the “spiritual father” of the Kulikovo victory, reposed at a ripe old age on September 25, 1392. “Hegumen of the Russian Land” was glorified as a saint in the middle of the 15th century. The relics of the saint are in the Trinity Monastery he founded. And to this day the river of those suffering who turn to the Reverend for help and consolation does not dry up. And he heals and revives each of those who resort with faith to his miraculous relics, directing them to the Heavenly Fatherland.

Field of Russian history

Siege of Moscow by Tokhtamysh 1382

The names of Alexander Nevsky and Daniil Moskovsky, Andrei Bogolyubsky and Dimitry Donskoy are especially close to the heart of every Russian person. Probably because these saints, being endowed with power and the unlimited possibilities arising from this power, were able to combine in their souls a sincere adherence to the gospel ideal and wise management of the earthly Fatherland, the desire for the Heavenly Kingdom, but also active concern for the Motherland, mercilessness towards evil, but love to a person.

In their faces the people see the ideal of life for a ruler. That is why today, more and more often, we are seeing attempts to slander and denigrate these names. A number of historians argue that the significance of the Battle of Kulikovo is greatly exaggerated, that a much smaller number of soldiers took part in it, and that the real “winner” was only Tokhtamysh, who managed to achieve a significant weakening of both sides of the conflict. They remind you that already in 1382 Rus' suffered a significant defeat from Tokhtamysh...

Well, let’s answer in the words of V.O. Klyuchevsky: “The people, accustomed to tremble at the mere name of a Tatar, finally gathered their courage, stood up to the enslavers and not only found the courage to stand up, but also went to look for the Tatar hordes in the open steppe and there they fell upon the enemies with an indestructible wall, burying them under their numerous bones... and this moral strength, and this feeling of vigor and spiritual strength, was breathed into his contemporaries by the Monk Sergius.”

“We have gained for ourselves the gift of being invisibly reborn in visible dying, so that the Resurrection of Christ may be glorified in us!..”

I.S. Shmelev in the heartfelt story “Kulikovo Field” writes: “There is no people with such a heavy historical burden and such spiritual power as ours; no one dares to judge the martyr who temporarily fell under the cross; But we have suffered for ourselves the gift of being reborn invisibly in visible dying, so that the Resurrection of Christ may be glorified in us!..”

The gift has been suffered, we must preserve it.

Death

After his death, the body of Alexander Peresvet was interred not far from the church erected in honor of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary “on the old Simonovo”. The monk was buried together with his deceased brother Andrei Oslyabey. The exact date of the canonization of the heroes is unknown, but the names were included in the calendar in the 17th century. In 1896, the names of the heroes were included in the “Trinity Patericon”, which mentions the disciples of St. Sergius of Radonezh.

Dmitry Donskoy stands over the dead Peresvet and Chelubey on the Kulikovo Field / Wikipedia

After a while, the graves of Peresvet and Oslyabi were decorated with tombstones that formed a kind of structure under the bell tower. When it was dismantled in 1794, the tombstones were removed to install new ones, and in the 19th century the chapel was completed. In 1928, the tombstones were destroyed again because the temple was closed. They underwent restoration in 1989. Today the temple has a canopy with updated monuments. There are no remains under them.

The staff of Alexander Peresvet, left before the battle, was initially kept in the altar of the Dimitrievsky Monastery. In the 20th century, it ended up at the disposal of the Ryazan Historical Museum. The cross of the monk-warrior was kept for a long time in the count family of the Olsufievs.

The fate of Oslyabi

Oslyabya, according to one legend, also died in battle. However, this is not the only version. They say that the monk Andrei Oslyabya was the first to rush into battle when he saw that his brother Peresvet had died. He fought bravely. It was he who carried Dmitry Donskoy, wounded in the battle, to the side, under a birch tree, where the prince was found after the end of the battle. Finally, chronicle sources report that after the battle on the Kulikovo Field, Oslyabya served for some time under Metropolitan Cyprian and was even part of the embassy to Constantinople in 1398. They went to Constantinople from Moscow with alms, “for the sake of their impoverishment,” since shortly before this Constantinople was besieged and devastated by the Turkish Sultan Bayazet. The Emperor and Patriarch of Constantinople received Oslyabya with great honor “and sent a wonderful icon to the Grand Duke.” In the story about the embassy, ​​Oslyabya, however, is called Rodion. But according to church tradition there is no contradiction here. Rodion is the secular name of Oslyabi, and he was named Andrei during monastic tonsure.

Memory

The feat of Alexander Peresvet is described today in textbooks on the history of the Russian state. The first mention appeared in the story “About the Massacre on the Don” and in the chronicle “The Tale of the Battle of Kulikovo.”

Monument to Alexander Peresvet and Boyan on Pokrovskaya Hill / Wikipedia

“The Tale of the Massacre of Mamayev” also glorifies the brothers. The legend of how they defended their homeland is described not only in books, but also in documentaries and feature films, for example, the film “Kulikovo Echo.”

In 2007, a city in the Moscow region was named in honor of the hero - Peresvet. The portrait of the warrior monk has not been preserved, but in the Vitae of St. Sergius from the 16th century there is an image of Peresvet and Oslyabi. In 1980, the first icon praising heroes was painted.

Prayer books of St. Alexander and Andrey

Troparion, tone 1

Warriors of Christ's love, sufferers of obedience to praise,/ Alexander the wondrous Peresvet and Andre Oslyabey called,/ Sergius the hegumen, gracious heirs,/ Kulikovo battles warriors of the clergy,/ you for you have conquered the Hagaryan serpent./ But by your intercession you have not abandoned us,/ with our bodies in the Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God you are resting,/ your soul is in a higher village./ Pray for the entire Russian Orthodox family, // our holy relatives.

Kontakion, tone 7

On the field of Kulikovo, the Agarians were victorious / and crowned with crowns of glory, / Reverend Martyrs Alexandra and Andrea, / pray to Christ God and to us the enemy of the human race to defeat, / Preserve Orthodoxy / / and soul We have great mercy on you.

Greatness

We bless you,/ Holy Martyrs Alexandra and Andrea,/ and honor your holy memory,/ Christ-loving warriors, mentors,/ and interlocutors with angels.