History and Culture: The exhibition “The Heavenly Host” opened in Suzdal

The exhibition The Heavenly Host has opened within the exposition History of Suzdal Monasteries of the Saviour Monastery of St. Euthymius Museum Complex. It tells visitors about the idea of spiritual patronage over the Christian army: directly over military men, and over Christians in general, since each of them is a soldier of Christ, leading a constant battle for faith and the salvation of the soul. The exhibition features icons of the XVI – first half of the XX century from the collections of the State Vladimir-Suzdal Museum Reserve.

The exposition includes icons of holy warriors, as well as images of other saints, patronizing the host, special icons of the Saviour and the Mother of God, to which the host prayed and prays still for victories in the defense of the Motherland and the people. Archangel Michael, the head of the angelic host, is the patron of 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 headed by Dmitry Pozharsky and Kozma Minin, who were marching to liberate Moscow. The holy warriors – the Great Martyrs 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 people from visible and invisible enemies.

The exhibition The Heavenly Host will run in the Saviour Monastery of St. Euthymius Museum Complex until January 15, 2023.