Cossack Motor Rally Marks the 80th Anniversary of the Appearance of Christ the Savior

On September 9, 2026, the Kalmyk Cossack District of the Great Don Host held a motor rally marking the 80th anniversary of the Appearance of Christ the Savior in Elista. More than 15 vehicles joined the convoy.

The route began at the Church of the Holy Life-Giving Trinity in the village of Troitskoye, Tselinny District. Participants carried a processional banner depicting the Appearance of the Lord in Elista. The banner was presented to the Kalmyk Cossack District by Archbishop Justinian of Elista and Kalmykia.

Priest Ioann Elkin, rector of the Church of the Holy Life-Giving Trinity, noted that banners depicting Jesus Christ historically accompanied warriors and Cossacks. He said the image of the Appearance of the Lord in Elista is intended to support those who defend the country’s borders and educate future defenders of the Fatherland.

Mikhail Semyonov, ataman of the stanitsa society of Tselinny District, explained that Troitskoye was chosen as the starting point because Semyon Bondarenko, one of the witnesses to the Appearance of Christ the Savior, lived nearby. The rally paid tribute to the witness of the event.

The convoy finished at the Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Elista.

Source: material provided to the editorial team. Additional source: RIA Kalmykia.