The Holy Grand Duke Dimitri Donskoy was born in 1350 into the family of Grand Duke John the Red. From an early age, he was brought up in piety under the spiritual guidance of St. Alexy of Moscow and was influenced by St. Sergius of Radonezh. Even in his youth, the future prince was distinguished by his love of prayer, humility, prudence, and a desire to live according to God's commandments.
In 1366, Dimitri married the Suzdal Princess Evdokia, who became his faithful life partner. Their family union was based on deep Christian faith and mutual love. The Lord gave the couple twelve children. The Grand Duchess shared with her husband all his labors and cares for the Russian land, setting an example of a pious wife and mother.
The reign of Demetrius was a difficult time for Russia. The country suffered from civil strife and the Horde yoke. The Grand Duke devoted his life to the unification of the Russian lands, the strengthening of the state and the protection of the Orthodox faith. He built churches and monasteries, took care of the Church, and always sought spiritual advice from St. Alexy and St. Sergius of Radonezh.
The main event of his life was the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380. Before the campaign, the prince arrived at the Trinity Monastery for the blessing of St. Sergius. The holy elder strengthened him in the hope of God's help and predicted victory. On September 8, 1380, the Russian army defeated Mamai's army on Kulikovo Field. This victory was an important step towards the liberation of Russia from the Horde rule.
Contemporaries testified that Prince Dimitri was not only a courageous warrior and a wise ruler, but also a man of deep spiritual life. He strictly observed fasts, prayed often, regularly received communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, and in all his affairs strove to fulfill the will of God. The ancient chroniclers called him a man who "did everything with God and fought for God."
After the Kulikovo victory, the prince continued to take care of the state and the people, restored the devastated lands, built monasteries and temples. Many trials befell him, but he endured them with Christian patience and trust in the Lord.
On May 19, 1389, the blessed Prince Dimitri peacefully departed to the Lord. Before his death, he received the Holy Sacraments, taught the children the last instructions and entrusted them to the care of his wife. His last words were: "May the God of peace be with you."
After her husband's death, Grand Duchess Evdokia continued to serve God and people. She devoted herself to works of charity, helped the poor, built churches and monasteries. Hiding her spiritual exploits from others, the princess led a strict ascetic life. Shortly before her death, she took monastic vows with the name Euphrosyne. Saint Euphrosyne of Moscow reposed to the Lord in 1407, leaving an example of faithfulness to Christ, love for her family, and selfless service to her people.
The Holy Prince Dimitry of Donskoy and the Venerable Euphrosyne of Moscow set an example of Christian matrimony, in which love for God was combined with love for the Fatherland and neighbors. Their lives show that true strength is born of faith, prayer, humility, and a willingness to sacrifice oneself for others.