Oslyabya

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Oslyabya (Russian: Ослябя) was a Russian monk from Saint Sergius's Trinity Abbey who became famous for his part in the Battle of Kulikovo. According to Oleg N. Trubachev, the nickname "Oslyabya" is a hypocoristic for "donkey". His Christian name has been given in various sources as Roman, Rodion, Andrian and Andrey.

Most details of his life are legendary. According to a 15th-century source, he was a nobleman (boyar) rather than a monk. His relative (some say brother) was Alexander Peresvet, although it is likely that this relationship is merely the product of later hagiographic tradition.

Oslyabya reportedly fought and survived the battle of Kulikovo and went on a diplomatic mission to the Byzantine Emperor in 1398. According to other accounts he was killed in that battle. His son Yakov is also believed to have fought in the battle of Kulikovo.

Oslyabya lies buried at the Theotokos Church in Simonovo, Moscow together with Peresviet. The Russian battleship Oslyabya was named after him.

[edit] References

In Russian language

  • Благословение преподобного Сергия. Под редакцией В.Силовьева. Изд.совет РПЦ, 2005 ISBN 5-94625-127-9
  • Титов А. А. Предание о ростовских князьях. М., 1885
  • Лошиц Ю. М. Дмитрий Донской., М., 1996
  • Розанов Н. П. История церкви Рождества Пресвятые Богородицы на Старом Симонове в Москве. К её пятисотолетию (1370—1870). М., 1870
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