The Elista Miracle Documentary Premieres in Elista

On 9 September 2026, the Oktyabr cinema in Elista hosted a closed premiere of The Elista Miracle, a documentary produced by the Spas television channel. The film explores the history and spiritual significance of the Appearance of Christ the Saviour in Elista and preserves the memory of the 1946 event.

The screening was attended by representatives of the regional authorities and clergy, members of the Kalmyk Cossack District of the All-Great Don Host, and descendants of Semyon and Maria Bondarenko, whose family helped preserve testimony about the Appearance.

A museum exhibition devoted to the history of the event was presented in the cinema foyer. The State Choir of the Republic of Kalmykia named after A. O. Tsebekov performed before the screening.

Archbishop Justinian of Elista and Kalmykia praised the professional work of the filmmakers. Prime Minister of the Republic of Kalmykia Gilyana Boskhomdzhieva highlighted the importance of historical memory and interfaith harmony for the region.

Vladimir Legoyda, Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Synodal Department for Church Relations with Society and the Media, conveyed the blessing of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’. He described the anniversary as significant not only for Kalmykia but for the country as a whole.

The television premiere of The Elista Miracle is scheduled for 10 September on the Spas television channel.

Sources: the press release provided to the editorial team; official anniversary website — film announcement; RIA Kalmykia report on the film and television premiere.