Banner of the Kalmyk Cossack District Consecrated in Elista

On 10 September 2026, a ceremony to consecrate and present a banner to the Kalmyk Cossack District of the Great Don Host was held in Elista’s Victory Park. The event formed part of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Appearance of Christ the Saviour in Elista.

The banner was brought to the ceremony by participants in the Cossack motor rally. Archbishop Justinian of Elista and Kalmykia led a prayer for its consecration and then presented it to the standard-bearer of the Kalmyk Cossack District.

The ceremony brought together representatives of the Cossacks, clergy, public authorities and civil society organisations, as well as residents of the republic. Great Patriotic War veteran Pyotr Leontyevich Leontyev addressed those present.

The consecrated banner was placed beside the icon “The Appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ to Worshippers in the City of Elista”. It became a symbol of remembrance of the 1946 event and of the spiritual bond between generations.

The participants were also addressed by Head of Kalmykia Batu Khasikov and Chief Federal Inspector for the Republic of Kalmykia Alexander Belyaev. Russian Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities Irek Faizullin attended the ceremony.

Sources: Stepnye Vesti — “The Banner of the Kalmyk Cossack District of the Great Don Host Was Consecrated in Elista”; official programme for the 80th anniversary of the Appearance of Christ the Saviour in Elista.