9–10 September 2026 · Elista
80th Anniversary of the Appearance of Christ the Savior in Elista
The anniversary year brings together remembrance, faith, culture and open dialogue. Build your event schedule.
Event Updates
TASS broadcast, August 31
Read more about the TASS press conferenceProminent Orthodox blogger Ioann Popov on his visit to Kalmykia
Father Alexei on GTRK Lotos
Roman Golovanov on the Appearance of Christ the Savior in Elista
Father Alexei on Radio Russia
Archbishop Justinian on the Incorruptible Cross
Program
View the Full ProgramOpening of the Exhibition “The Mobile Ulus Church of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker”
Palmov National Museum
Ceremonial Formation of the Cossacks of the Kalmyk Cossack District of the All-Great Don Host and Security Units
Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Equal-to-the-Apostles
Divine Liturgy
Kazan Cathedral
Procession of the Cross
Kazan Cathedral
Cultural Program for Guests and Residents of the Region
Victory Square
Concert Featuring the Sretensky Monastery Choir
A. N. Mandzhiev Kalmyk State Philharmonic
About the Event
On 9–10 September 2026, Elista marks 80 years since the miracle that changed the city’s destiny.
The “80th Anniversary of the Appearance of Christ the Savior in Elista” is a commemorative event of regional and national significance, marking the anniversary of the miracle witnessed on 11 September 1946 by the priest and parishioners of Elista’s Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
The event is part of Russia’s Year of the Unity of Peoples (2026) and brings together business, cultural, and pilgrimage programs.
According to eyewitness accounts, the Appearance occurred during the Divine Liturgy. To commemorate it, the icon “The Appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ to Those Praying in the City of Elista” was painted and brought to Elista by Semyon Timofeyevich Bondarenko in the spring of 1947.
Quotes
“The Kalmyks are a people sent by God who defended Russia from every aggression from the south.”
“Kalmykia will once again become a platform for interfaith dialogue. In the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, this is an opportunity for us to contribute to strengthening spiritual ties.”
Organizers
News
All News
Moscow Sretensky Monastery Choir Performs in Elista
The Moscow Sretensky Monastery Choir presented its “We Have One Russia” programme at the Kalmyk State Philharmonic, featuring sacred chants, marches and folk songs.
Kalmykia Discusses the Development of Pilgrimage and Cultural Routes
Participants in an Elista strategy session presented proposals for interregional routes connecting the cultural and spiritual heritage of southern Russia.
More Than 2,000 Worshippers Join a Procession of the Cross in Elista
Following the Divine Liturgy, clergy, guests and parishioners carried the icon of the Appearance of Christ the Saviour from Kazan Cathedral to the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross.