From its beginnings in the 9th century, the culture of ancient Russia has had a rich heritage epic ballads and tales spread by word of mouth. The ballad of three Russian warriors Dobrynya Nikitich, Ilya Muromets and Alyosha Popovich is an outstanding example of this heritage. The character of Ilya Muromets is perhaps the most notable of the three. According to most historians, he became a monastic at the end of his life and was canonised by the Church as Venerable Saint Ilya Pechersky.

Ilya Muromets was canonised in 1643. His feast day is celebrated by the Church on 1 January. Since 1643, many military and battlefield churches in Russia have been consecrated in honour of the Venerable Ilya.