Dmitry Donskoy sought a blessing from Sergius of Radonezh not only as a spiritual mentor but also as a symbol of divine support before a decisive battle.

Divine Guidance on the Battlefield

Dmitry Donskoy sought a blessing from Sergius of Radonezh not only as a spiritual mentor but also as a symbol of divine support before a decisive battle. This act held profound religious and symbolic meaning at the time. Asking for a blessing underscored the prince’s belief that victory in battle depended not only on martial valor but also on the supreme will and support of the One God, which the elder could transmit.

For example, one source describes in detail how Dmitry, while preparing for his campaign, visited the Monastery of the Life-Giving Trinity to worship God and receive a parting blessing from the venerable Sergius:
"Two years later — the Battle of Kulikovo. In preparation for the campaign, the holy prince Dmitry visited the Monastery of the Life-Giving Trinity to worship the One God... The prince wept from deep emotion, asking the venerable for a special gift of blessing for his troops." (source: link txt)

Such an act served to bolster the morale of his warriors: the recognition that the battle was under heavenly patronage instilled confidence in their invincibility and the righteousness of their military actions. Another source emphasizes that it was precisely before the battle that Dmitry Donskoy sought the blessing of the elder for his entire army, stressing that this was inseparably linked with the idea of unity and the spiritual perfection of his soldiers:
"Before the battle, Dmitry Donskoy wished to receive the blessing of the elder for his entire army... The monastery chronicle testifies that after the great battle, the prince visited the Monastery of the Life-Giving Trinity several times." (source: link txt)

Finally, another text confirms that seeking a blessing was a deliberate and important ritual, accompanied by the guidance and prayers of the venerable Sergius:
"In preparation for the campaign, Prince Dmitry set out to seek the blessing of venerable Sergius, who prayed and offered him guidance. After the victory at the Kulikovo Field, the prince expressed his gratitude to the elder..." (source: link txt)

Thus, the act of asking for a blessing represented both an expression of the prince's profound religious faith and a strategic step to strengthen the morale of his warriors. This action symbolized the connection between earthly endeavors and divine guidance, emphasizing that victory on the battlefield had not only a military but also a sacred significance.