History and Culture: Exhibition “Holy Army”, dedicated to spiritual patrons of Christian warriors, opened in Vladimir

The exhibition Holy Army, dedicated to the spiritual patrons of Christian warriors and all Christians in general, has opened in the “Chambers” Museum Centre of the State Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve. Traditionally, Russian people prayed to them for victories, for the protection of the Motherland and the people. The exhibition features a khorugv and 13 icons of the 16th – first half of the 20th century from the collections of the State Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve.

The holy warriors – the Great Martyrs Saint George the Victorious, Demetrius of Thessalonica, Theodore Stratelates, John the Warrior have long been revered in the Orthodox tradition. Having bravely endured torments for their faith, they became known as true soldiers of Christ, who have the grace to protect from enemies, both visible and invisible.

The exposition includes not only icons of holy warriors, but also images of other saints who patronize the army, special icons of the Saviour and the Virgin, in front of which people prayed and pray for victories in the defence of our Motherland and our people. Head of the Angelic Host Archangel Michael is the patron saint of the Byzantine emperors and ancient Russian princes. During the Time of Troubles, the Kazan icon of the Mother of God was taken into the regiments of the militia led by Dmitry Pozharsky and Kozma Minin, who were marching to liberate Moscow. According to the Byzantine tradition, the Image of Edessa became a talisman of a Christian city; an icon with this image was placed on fortress towers, and a khorugv with a Sacred Image accompanied the Russian army in campaigns, starting from the Battle of Kulikovo up to World War I.

In Russia, many holy warriors were princes. Already in the 11th century, writings about the lives of the first Russian saints – Princes Boris and Gleb, who were perceived as patrons of the Fatherland, appeared in ancient Russian literature. Their feat was likened to the voluntary ascension to the cross of Christ the Saviour. One of the most revered warrior prices was Alexander Nevsky.

In the religious and historical consciousness of Russian society, the tradition of veneration of holy warriors has taken a special place. Churches were dedicated to them, monasteries were created in their honour, cities were named after them, songs were composed about them, glorifying the military spirit. The feats of the heroes of the past inspired the participants of new battles. Alexander Nevsky, Dmitry Donskoy, Mercury Smolensky, and many others are canonized. Their images are praised by writers and painters.

The exhibition will run until March 12, 2023.