Icon of Alexander Nevsky: history, image and meaning of the holy image, what it helps with + texts of prayer requests

Icon of Alexander Nevsky: description

On the icon we often see the noble prince with a sword.
Sometimes there is a picture where he holds a cross and a scroll. But basically in all images the warrior is depicted in grand ducal clothes, sometimes in armor. There are many illustrations where, as befits a commander, he is depicted on horseback. This style of writing exists relatively recently - it was introduced by Peter I. Before this, the noble prince, according to tradition, was depicted in monastic clothes, since before his death he took the schema with the name Alexy. Information about his appearance that has reached us describes him as a broad-shouldered young man with powerful arms, a handsome face, strong-willed eyebrows and a decisive look throughout his appearance.

Alexander Nevskiy

Alexander was born into the family of Prince Yaroslav and Princess Feodosia. His grandfather Prince Vsevolod united the Russian lands from Vladimir to Ryazan. At the age of six he was initiated into the military. As soon as his son turned seven years old, his father took him with him to Novgorod, where he was called to the principality.

From an early age he studied martial arts, and at the age of sixteen he participated in his first fight with his father. These were difficult times for Rus'. The Mongol invaders threatened on the eastern border, and the German Order and the Swedes on the western border. God's providence designated Prince Alexander as the defender of the Russian land. The first victory was over the Swedes on the Neva River, for this feat he received the name Nevsky. He was not yet twenty years old at that time.

In addition to the Swedes, the German knights of the Teutonic Order, who captured the cities of Kaporye and Pskov, were worried in the west. In 1942, Prince Alexander liberated the cities and defeated the German knights on Lake Peipsi. He won all his victories at a young age and did not suffer a single defeat.

He was not only a fearless commander, but also a wise politician. When nothing threatened the western border of Rus', the danger came from the east in the person of Batu Khan with the Tatar hordes. Alexander visited the Golden Horde several times and decided that it was better to pay tribute than to fight. He managed to organize an Orthodox community in the Horde and it is known that a descendant of Genghis Khan accepted the Orthodox faith under the influence of the prince.

The prince died on the road from the Horde to Gorodets in 1263. Vladimir was chosen as the nearest city for burial, where the body was delivered after nine days of travel. All the sacred ministers witnessed the miracle; the body of the deceased showed no signs of decomposition. Popular veneration of the remains of the holy prince began in 1380, and official canonization occurred during the time of Ivan the Terrible 150 years later.

Life of a Saint

During his short life (only 42 years), Alexander had to work hard to protect the Russian principalities from expansion from the Catholic West: he defeated the Swedish army on the Neva, and then defeated the German Order of the Sword during the Battle of the Ice.

Sometimes Alexander is blamed for not giving the same rebuff to the Mongol Khanate, but this precisely testifies to his statesmanship and foresight.

Firstly, the Mongol forces were many times superior to the Russian forces, so one could not count on a military response; secondly, Rus' found itself between two powerful enemies, pressing from both the West and the East, and history confronted Alexander with a difficult choice of an ally.

The choice in favor of the Mongol Khanate was largely due to the fact that it did not interfere in religious life and did not impose its beliefs, unlike the Western invaders. Thus, he contributed to the preservation of the purity of the Orthodox faith. In addition, Alexander managed to negotiate the abolition of taxes in favor of the Mongols in a number of areas.

When the wise and beloved ruler of the people died, he began to be revered as the defender and patron of the entire Russian people, who had not lost a single battle and defended the Orthodox faith.

In 1547 he was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church.

What does an icon help with?

People come to the relics and icon of St. Alexander Nevsky with various requests and troubles:

The Righteous One is the heavenly patron of all soldiers and diplomats who ask him to grant courage, fortitude and wisdom to fulfill their duty to the Fatherland.
They pray to the defender of Russian lands during military conflicts and hostilities. Ordinary people are asking for protection for themselves, their loved ones and the Fatherland as a whole.
Ordinary lay people pray before the icon of the saint before the start of important acts.
They turn to Alexander Nevsky for help and the gift of wisdom and patience in resolving family conflicts.
Prayer to the holy wonderworker helped cure many ailments.

The holy collector and defender of Russian lands, even after his death, contributes to the spiritual unification of Christian peoples. Temples dedicated to the holy wonderworker Alexander Nevsky exist in Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Georgia and Latvia.

Icon of Alexander Nevsky

Meaning of the icon

The icon of Saint Prince Alexander is of great importance for Orthodox Russians. She is the personification of the defender and wise ruler of the Fatherland, guarding the Faith and the state. Images of the saint remind all Orthodox people of true values - patriotism, faith in God and love for people.

The image of a holy warrior inspires heroic deeds in the name of the Motherland and its development. This explains its popularity during the Great Patriotic War:

residents of besieged Leningrad turned to the heavenly protector for help;
to raise patriotism, a film was made about the feat of the Russian army on Lake Peipus;
The squadron, built with funds raised by the Russian Orthodox Church, was named after Prince Alexander.

Important: the meaning of the image of the holy prince changed depending on the stage of development of the Russian state.
In the pre-Petrine era, emphasis was placed on his spiritual merits; During the strengthening of Russia in the international arena, his military merits came to the fore. Modern Orthodox people once again recall that the noble warrior considered his main task to be the defense and strengthening of Orthodoxy.

How Alexander Nevsky is portrayed

The iconography of the saint is divided into two main parts. The first demonstrates it at a time in his life when the prince was more involved in military affairs. The saint is depicted in princely vestments, with a sword, the tip of which is directed either upwards or St. Alexander leans on the handle. A shield may also be present, but not always.

In his right hand the prince can hold a banner with the image of the “Savior Not Made by Hands”, and with his left he can lean on the sword. That is, he is ready to defend his faith at the cost of his own life.

Behind the saint’s back one can see the city wall, behind it are houses and the domes of the temple. The prince himself is standing in the field where the battle is taking place - the crusaders are against the Russians, the enemies are retreating, they have already turned their horses to escape. The figure of the prince is much larger than the others - such is the composition of the icon, because its language is allegorical, not literal.

There is also a waist icon, St. Alexander is depicted thoughtfully, leaning on his sword with one hand and putting the other to his chest. Rich clothes are embroidered with stones and trimmed with fur. The hair is thick, curly at the ends, the face is young, slightly elongated, the head is slightly tilted to the left. The saint seems to be thinking about what will happen to Russia, will it be able to worthily preserve the faith that he so defended?

Other types of icons of Alexander Nevsky tell about the spiritual side of his personality: there he is depicted in adulthood, in monastic vestments - this is a monastic cassock with a hood, on it there are eight-pointed crosses. In his left hand the saint holds a scroll, his right hand points to his heart as a sign that it is dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ.

There is a very interesting hagiographic icon from the late 19th century. In the foreground is the prince in the robes of a schema monk (it differs from the clothes of an ordinary monk - it is more closed, embroidered with crosses). The figure of the saint is turned towards Christ, who is seated on the clouds in the upper left corner of the composition. There, as it were, the curtain of heaven opens slightly, and the angelic ranks surrounding the Throne of God are visible. Christ holds an open Book in his left hand. The right one sends His blessing to the prince.

In the distance you can see the river bank, and ships on the waters. A battle broke out on the shore - Russian soldiers on white horses were going on the attack. An Angel hovers above the battle, carrying a crown in his hands.

Iconography

How will grateful descendants portray their God-loving savior, who accepted the schema before his death? As expected - in a robe and cockle.

There were earlier images - in the form of miniatures, but icons began to be painted only after canonization - this is the second half of the 16th century. Few icons were painted in the princely vestments; they began to paint Alexander in this image after the order of the Great Synod by decree of Peter the Great.

The earliest icon dates back to the mid-16th century; it brings to us the humble image of the saint, he is depicted together with the Venerables John and Abraham:

Peering into the enlightened face, we see eyes radiating peace, dark hair with graying, a gray beard, and on the scroll we read the inscription, like a message from eternity: “My brother, fear God and keep His commandments.” This icon is located in the museum-reserve of V. Novgorod.

Iconography

The first icons depicting St. Alexander Nevsky appeared after his canonization. Until the beginning of the 18th century, the “monastic” iconographic image prevailed. The noble prince, who took monastic vows before his death, was depicted in traditional monastic vestments. Such icons are located in the Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod and the Annunciation Church in the Moscow Kremlin.

At the beginning of the 18th century (1724), the Holy Synod ordered that the saint be depicted in princely attire. Under the princely mantle one can see military armor, and in his left hand he holds a sword - a symbol of military exploits in order to protect the Orthodox faith. In the right hand of the prince-preacher there may be an image of Jesus Christ, a cross or a spiritual letter. They symbolize the commitment of the blessed Alexander Nevsky to Orthodoxy and his merits in spreading it. On some icons the saint's right hand is pressed to his heart.

Icon of Alexander Nevsky

In the 20th century, icon painters use two iconographic versions. In the 70s, an icon was painted that combines the characteristics of both the “monastic” and “princely” types of images of the holy wonderworker, blessed Alexander Nevsky.

Orthodox prayer to Alexander Nevsky

This article contains: Orthodox prayer to Alexander Nevsky - information taken from all over the world, the electronic network and spiritual people.

They turn to Prince Alexander Nevsky with prayer:

- protection from diseases and preservation of health,

We advise you to study Prayer for Travelers

- for protection from enemies.

Who is Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky

One of the most revered in the Russian Orthodox Church is St. Alexander Nevsky. This is one of the most famous Russian rulers and commanders. His life time was 1220 - 1263. He spent his childhood in Pereslavl-Zalessky, and in 1236 he became the prince of Novgorod. These were difficult years, when German knights and Swedish troops attacked the Novgorod land.

Alexander Nevsky was able to successfully resist the conquerors. In 1240, the Novgorodians, led by the great Commander, defeated the Swedish troops on the Neva. It was in honor of this battle that Prince Alexander began to be called Nevsky. And in 1242, Russian troops were able to defeat the Teutonic knights in the Battle of Lake Peipsi.

The wisdom of the Grand Duke of Novgorod was that he continued the policy of his father Yaroslav Vsevolodovich. In order to prevent the ruin of Rus', Alexander Nevsky continued to strengthen friendship with the Golden Horde.

Having visited Batu, the prince refused to bow to pagan idols and thereby earned the respect of the khan. Subsequently, thanks to the efforts of the prince, it was possible to open a diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church on the territory of the Khanate.

This made it possible to lay the foundation for the future multinational Russian state.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=bZtKJ-yfUV4

Alexander Nevsky died on his way home after another diplomatic mission to the Golden Horde. Before his death, he became a monk with the name Alexy. His body was carried to Vladimir for ten days, but it remained incorrupt.

Alexander Nevsky was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church under Metropolitan Macarius at the Moscow Cathedral in 1547. In 1721, on the day of Peter I’s victory over the Swedes, it was decided to transfer the relics of the Grand Duke from Vladimir to the Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra in St. Petersburg. The relics are still there today.

Orthodox prayers to the blessed prince Alexander Nevsky

Prayers to Alexander Nevsky have special power. Near the river with the relics of the Saint, magical healings occur. Legend has it that Tsar John Vasilyevich himself, before going to Kazan, asked for a blessing from the relics of Alexander Nevsky in Vladimir.

Prayers to Alexander Nevsky, said on certain days, are especially effective. This is the day of the prince’s death on December 6 and the day of the transfer of his relics to St. Petersburg on September 12. In Orthodox chronicles one can find many descriptions of miraculous stories that the Saint always helped those who sincerely asked him for help.

What do they ask for and how do they pray to the saint?

Believers turn to the Saint with various requests. At all times, people prayed in front of the icon of Alexander Nevsky for the protection of their Fatherland from enemy invasion. In addition, the Saint is asked that the rulers and rulers of the world be of good character and show concern for people.

Orthodox prayer to Alexander Nevsky always helps in military affairs. Believers pray before the icon of the Saint to gain wisdom in order to achieve their goal.

During prayer, a person’s soul is filled with courage and courage, which allows him to overcome life’s adversities.

Mothers pray to Saint Alexander Nevsky for their sons who have gone to military service. Believers also turn to him for help in strengthening their faith.

Prayer for wealth

Prayer for wealth is considered very popular. With its help you can stabilize your own financial situation.

The prayer needs to be said for the money in the wallet, and it sounds like this:

What do they ask for and how do they pray to the Saint?

Orthodox prayer to Alexander Nevsky always helps in military affairs. Believers pray before the icon of the Saint to gain wisdom in order to achieve their goal.

During prayer, a person’s soul is filled with courage and courage, which allows him to overcome life’s adversities.

Mothers pray to Saint Alexander Nevsky for their sons who have gone to military service. Believers also turn to him for help in strengthening their faith.

Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky in iconographic monuments

In 2013, the Church solemnly celebrated the 750th anniversary of the repose of the Holy Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky. There is no doubt that Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky is the most famous saint of the considerable number of famous warriors of Holy Rus'. The veneration of him as a saint arose immediately after his death and was preserved by the Russian people throughout history - right up to modern times. The name of Saint Alexander Nevsky has become synonymous with high patriotic service, rooted in the desire to fulfill the truth of God. It is not surprising that in Western historiography the prince’s military exploits are relegated to the level of minor border conflicts, and his policies are viewed as “short-sighted.” The bias of such assessments is obvious.

Alexander Nevsky was born around 1220 in Pereyaslavl. His father, Prince Yaroslav Vsevolodovich (in holy baptism Theodore), was at that time the Prince of Pereyaslavl. The prince's palace - wooden, like most buildings in Rus' in those days - stood not far from the Transfiguration Cathedral - the only white-stone temple of North-Eastern Rus' from the pre-Mongol period that has survived to this day (it was founded by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky, and built in 1157 by St. Andrey Bogolyubsky). Prince Alexander was baptized in this cathedral.

In his youth, Alexander, together with his older brother Fedor, was his father's governor in Novgorod, and after his father received the great reign in Kyiv, he reigned in Novgorod (actually from 1236 to 1252). In 1239, Alexander married the daughter of the Polotsk prince Bryachislav.

The reign of Prince Alexander fell on an extremely difficult time: enemies attacked Rus' simultaneously from different sides: from the east - the Tatar-Mongols, from the west - the Latins. Rich Novgorod bought off the Tatars, but it was not possible to buy off the Lithuanian state and the Swedes. The Swedes set out on a campaign against Novgorod in 1240; they were going to found a new fortress and cut off the city from Karelia, that is, deprive Novgorod of almost a fifth of its territory (later - Votskaya Pyatina).

This is how the Tale of the Life of Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky, written in Vladimir several years after the death of the prince, in the 1280s, speaks about this: “The King of the Roman country from the northern land... gathered a great force, and filled many ships with his regiments, moved with a huge army, puffing with the military spirit. And he came to the Neva, intoxicated with madness, and sent his ambassadors, proud, to Novgorod to Prince Alexander, saying: “If you can, defend yourself, for I am already here and ruining your land.”

Prayer of Alexander Nevsky in the Church of St. Sophia and his blessing by the archbishop before the battle. Miniature of the Front Chronicle. Moscow, XVI century.

Alexander, having heard such words, burned in his heart, and entered the church of St. Sophia, and, falling on his knees before the altar, began to pray with tears: “Glorious God, righteous, great, strong, eternal God, who created heaven and earth and established borders of the nations, you commanded to live without transgressing the borders of others.” And, remembering the words of the prophet, he said: “Judge, Lord, those who offend me and protect them from those who fight me, take a weapon and a shield and stand up to help me.”

And, having finished the prayer, he stood up and bowed to the archbishop. The archbishop was then Spyridon, he blessed him and released him.”

Before the decisive battle, a certain miraculous omen was revealed, about which the Tale tells the following: “There was one man, the elder of the land of Izhora, named Pelugiy, he was entrusted with the night watch at sea. He was baptized and lived among his family, the pagans, and his name was given in holy baptism Philip, and he lived godly, observing fasting on Wednesday and Friday, which is why God deigned him to see a wonderful vision on that day. Let's tell you briefly.

St. Alexander wounds Birger in the face at the Battle of the Neva. Miniature of the Front Chronicle. Moscow, XVI century.

Having learned about the strength of the enemy, he went out to meet Prince Alexander to tell him about the enemy’s camps. He stood on the seashore, watching both routes, and spent the whole night without sleep. When the sun began to rise, he heard a strong noise on the sea and saw one boat floating on the sea, and standing in the middle of the boat were the holy martyrs Boris and Gleb in red robes, holding their hands on each other’s shoulders. The rowers sat as if covered in darkness. Boris said: “Brother Gleb, tell us to row, and let us help our relative Prince Alexander.” Seeing such a vision and hearing these words of the martyrs, Pelugius stood trembling until the attack disappeared from his eyes.

Soon after this, Alexander came, and Pelugius, joyfully meeting Prince Alexander, told him alone about the vision. The prince told him: “Don’t tell this to anyone.” And there was a great slaughter with the Romans, and the prince killed countless numbers of them, and on the face of the king himself he left the mark of his sharp spear..."

The description of the Battle of the Neva contains a number of vivid episodes, which will later be captured in miniatures illustrating the Front Chronicle - Osterman I (BAN) and Laptev (RNB) volumes, created in the second half of the 16th century.

Battle of the Neva. Gavrila Oleksic enters an enemy ship. Miniature of the Front Chronicle. Moscow, XVI century.

“A brave man from Alexander’s regiment named Gavrilo Oleksich... attacked the auger and, seeing the prince being dragged by the arms, rode all the way to the ship along the gangplank along which they were running with the prince; those pursued by him grabbed Gavrila Oleksich and threw him off the gangplank along with his horse. But by God’s mercy he emerged from the water unharmed, and again attacked them, and fought with the commander himself in the midst of their army.”

The miniatures of the Facial Vault depict the following episodes of the Battle of the Neva:

– Prayer of Alexander Nevsky in the Church of Hagia Sophia and his blessing by the archbishop before the battle;

– Gavrila Oleksich enters an enemy ship;

- Alexander wounds Birger in the face at the Battle of Neva.

The defeat of the Swedes on the Neva on July 15, 1240 was the first brilliant victory of Prince Alexander; from that time on they began to call him

Nevsky. According to the testimony of life, it was just before this battle that the prince addressed the army with the words: “God is not in power, but in truth.” Alexander managed to recapture the ancient Russian fortress of Koporye, liberated Pskov, and in 1242 defeated the troops of the Livonian Order on the ice of Lake Peipsi:

“It was then Saturday, and when the sun rose, the opponents met. And there was a cruel slaughter, and there was a crash from breaking spears and a ringing from the blows of swords, and it seemed that a frozen lake was moving, and no ice was visible, for it was covered with blood.

And I heard this from an eyewitness who told me that he saw the army of God in the air, coming to the aid of Alexander. And so he defeated the enemies with the help of God, and they fled, but Alexander cut them down, chasing them as if through the air, and they had nowhere to hide. Here God glorified Alexander before all the regiments, like Joshua at Jericho.”

A miniature from the Front Chronicle, illustrating the Battle of Lake Peipsi, shows the help of the Heavenly Host to Prince Alexander Nevsky.

Battle of Lake Peipsi. Help from the Heavenly Host of St. Alexander Nevsky. Miniature of the Front Chronicle. Moscow, XVI century.

After the death of his father in 1247, Prince Alexander, together with his younger brother Andrei, went to the Golden Horde to see Batu Khan, and then to Mongolia, to the headquarters of the great khans Karakorum. He returned home in 1249. His brother Andrei became the prince of Vladimir, and Alexander, having received a label for the reign of Kiev, remained in Novgorod.

Prince Alexander saw that it was impossible to cope with all the enemies on his own at the same time, and showed loyalty to the Golden Horde. He saw his main task as the defense of the western borders. His brother Andrei reigned in Vladimir and enlisted the help of the West in the fight against the Tatars, but the price for this help was the acceptance of the union. In 1251, two cardinals came to Alexander Nevsky in Novgorod with a bull of Pope Innocent IV. According to the chronicler's story, Alexander, in his response to the papal embassy, outlined the entire history of Rus' and in conclusion said: “We know everything good, but we do not accept teachings from you.”

With the support of the Tatars, Alexander Nevsky took possession of Vladimir and installed his son Vasily to reign in Novgorod. Prince Andrei, a supporter of the union, fled to Sweden. After Andrei's flight, the great reign of Vladimir passed to Alexander. In 1262, Alexander concluded an alliance agreement with the Lithuanian prince Mindovg against the Livonian Order and went to the Golden Horde: in Vladimir, Suzdal, Rostov, Pereyaslavl, Yaroslavl and other cities, Tatar tribute farmers were killed, and the Sarai Khan Berke demanded a military recruitment among the residents Rus', since there was a threat to his possessions from the Iranian ruler.

Alexander Nevsky went to the Horde to try to dissuade the khan from this demand. Having stayed there for a whole year, the prince died on the way back. Before his death, he was tonsured into the schema with the name Alexy. The prince's body was buried in 1263 in the Nativity Monastery of Vladimir. Metropolitan Kirill announced to the people in Vladimir about his death with the words: “My dear children, understand that the sun of the Russian land has set,” and everyone cried out with tears: “We are already perishing.”

The “Tale of the Life of Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky” testifies to the nationwide grief for the deceased prince. And here are the words of our famous historian S. M. Solovyov: “The preservation of the Russian land from misfortune in the east, famous exploits for faith and land in the west brought Alexander a glorious memory in Rus' and made him the most prominent historical figure in ancient history...”

The Life tells about these sorrowful events as follows:

“The holy body of Alexander was carried to the city of Vladimir. The Metropolitan, the princes and boyars and all the people, small and large, met him in Bogolyubovo with candles and censers. People crowded, trying to touch his holy body on his honest bed. There was a cry, a groan, and a cry like never before, even the earth shook. His body was laid in the Church of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God... on the 24th day of November, in memory of Holy Father Amphilochius.

St. Alexander Nevsky in schema. Nun Juliania (M.N. Sokolova). Pill icon. Sergiev Posad. 1960-1980

There was a marvelous miracle then, worthy of memory. When his holy body was laid in the tomb, then Sebastian the Economist and Cyril the Metropolitan wanted to unclench his hand in order to insert a spiritual letter. He, as if alive, stretched out his hand and accepted the letter from the hand of the metropolitan. And confusion seized them, and they barely retreated from his tomb. Metropolitan and Housekeeper Sevastian announced this to everyone. Who wouldn’t be surprised by that miracle, because his body was dead and it was transported from distant lands in winter. And so God glorified His saint.”

In 1380, the incorruptible relics of St. were discovered. Alexander Nevsky. In 1491, a terrible fire blazed in Vladimir, shortly before which the townspeople saw St. Alexander on horseback above the Nativity Monastery. During the fire, the relics and the shroud lying on the saint’s tomb survived.

The church-wide canonization of the blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky took place at the Council in 1547. A service and “Word of Praise to Alexander” were written for this event. The author of the Lay recorded the miracles that occurred from the relics, which were witnessed by the monks of the Nativity Monastery.

The veneration of Saint Alexander Nevsky as a defender and patron of the Russian land is evidenced by a letter from Metropolitan Macarius of Moscow and All Rus' to Tsar Ivan the Terrible, written before the capture of Kazan. The High Hierarch, blessing the king for the battle, calls on him to remember “the bravery of their ancestors, the God-crowned Tsar Vladimir Monomakh and the brave Prince Alexander Nevsky and your other relatives, what victories you created over the filthy and glorified by God” (Nikon Chronicle).

Images of St. Prince Alexander Nevsky appear in the 16th century. after his canonization. According to tradition, he, as having taken the schema before his death, was depicted in monastic robes (mantle, kokol).

One of the earliest icons depicting Alexander Nevsky in monastic vestments is a Novgorod tablet from the mid-16th century from the Cathedral of St. Sophia "Reverends John, Abraham of Rostov and Alexander Nevsky" (Novgorod Museum-Reserve). The saint is presented in a brown robe, a grayish-ochre tunic, a kukol schema on his shoulders, short, slightly curly hair and a small wedge-shaped beard touched with gray hair, in his left hand there is an unrolled scroll with the text: “My brother, fear God and keep His commandments.”

The prince is also represented in monastic vestments in the paintings of the Annunciation Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. This iconography is also characteristic of the face coverings on the tomb of the saint, created in the 17th century. Several facial coverings with the image of St. Alexander Nevsky. The cover, kept in the sacristy of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra and apparently originating from the Cathedral of the Nativity Monastery in Vladimir, was made in 1670–1680. in the Stroganov workshops. On the cover of St. Alexander Nevsky is presented with his eyes closed, wearing a schema and robe; in hands - an expanded charter with the text of a prayer; the short beard and mustache are made of dark red silk, which makes the face stand out against the background of silver and gold embroidery of clothes, halo and background.

Parallel to the “monastic” iconographic version of St. Alexander Nevsky there was also a “princely” one, which appeared already in the 16th century.

St. blgv. book Alexander Nevsky, Wonderworker. Icon of the late 16th century. from the Trinity Cathedral of the Ipatiev Monastery. KGOIAMZ "Ipatiev Monastery". Kostroma.

Images of saints and unholy princes of Ancient Rus' were included in special iconographic programs of palace churches, for example, the Archangel and Annunciation Cathedrals of the Moscow Kremlin, as well as the Novospassky Monastery - the tomb of the Romanovs. If in the Annunciation Cathedral Prince Alexander is depicted in monastic vestments, then on the frescoes of the Archangel Cathedral in the layer of painting of the 17th century. - according to traditional princely iconography - in a cloak and hat.

As already mentioned above, a number of miniatures with the military victories of Alexander Nevsky are contained in the Litsevoy Chronicle.

In the 17th century Both lines of iconography continued to develop. The hagiographic icon of St. dates back to the beginning of the century. Alexander Nevsky, kept in the chapel of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem of the Cathedral of the Intercession on the Moat (St. Basil's Cathedral, State Historical Museum). This temple image came from a church that once existed on the territory of the Kremlin in honor of St. Alexander Nevsky. The centerpiece depicts a schema-monk prince surrounded by 35 marks telling about his life and miracles.

Throughout the 17th century. to the Kremlin Church of St. Alexander Nevsky had annual royal exits on the day of remembrance of the saint (the church was later dismantled).

St. blgv. book Alexander Nevskiy. Icon from the Trinity Cathedral of the Ipatiev Monastery. Photo 1910

In the small centerpiece there is a full-length frontal image of Alexander Nevsky in monastic robes, the inscription: “The Holy Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky, named Alexy.”

Around the centerpiece there are two rows of marks, of which 12, occupying the top field, are dedicated to the events of the saint’s life, the rest are dedicated to posthumous miracles: the first is about “spiritual literacy”, then various miracles and healings at the tomb follow, at the end - “The Miracle of the Don Victory” (Alexander Nevsky assists the noble Prince Dimitry Donskoy in the Battle of Kulikovo) and “Miracle in the Battle of Molodekh” (Alexander Nevsky, holy princes Boris and Gleb, princes Andrei, Vsevolod, Georgy and Yaroslav take part in the battle of the Russian army with the Crimean Khan Devlet- Giray in 1572). In some stamps above the tomb of Alexander Nevsky, on a high stand, there is a lectern icon with a half-length image of the prince (in the schema), which perhaps reproduces the specific realities of the Nativity Cathedral, where the relics of the saint resided.

St. Alexander Nevsky with his life. Icon from the beginning of the 17th century. Church of the Intercession on the Moat (St. Basil's). Moscow.

He is represented in monastic vestments on the icon “Tree of the Moscow State” (“Praise of the Mother of God of Vladimir”), painted by Simon Ushakov in 1668 (Tretyakov Gallery). His image is located on the right, at the base of the Tree of State. Both branches, symbolizing the two components of the state - secular and spiritual power, grow from the Assumption Cathedral of the Kremlin and border the miraculous image of the Mother of God of Vladimir.

In the painting of the 17th century. There are many examples of the iconography of the monastic version, as in the icon from the Church of the Assumption on Apukhtinka in Moscow (Tretyakov Gallery).

In Vladimir, in connection with the special veneration of Alexander Nevsky as a local saint, the icon “Christ Pantocrator with the falling princes Alexander Nevsky and George Vladimirovich” was painted, 17th century. (Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve). Local veneration contributed to the creation of a special edition of images of the Cathedral of the Holy Princes of Vladimir.

St. Alexander Nevsky. Icon of the 17th century. from the Assumption Church on Apukhtinka. Moscow, State Tretyakov Gallery.

The situation with the iconography of Alexander Nevsky changed radically in 1724 after his relics were transferred by order of Peter I to St. Petersburg, to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. In the same year, the Holy Synod issued a decree (dated June 15, 1724) to paint Saint Alexander Nevsky not in monastic robes, but in grand ducal robes. The monastic iconography of the saint has since been used only among the Old Believers.

For the relics of the prince, a silver tomb was installed in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, made according to the sketch of G. H. Grot in 1750–1753. (now in the State Hermitage Museum). The saint's shrine was decorated with an icon painted by Ivan Adolsky Jr. In the cathedral, holders of the Order of St. gathered at the holy relics on the days of his memory. Alexander Nevsky. This order was conceived by Peter I to reward the military, but it was established by Catherine I after the death of Peter, and it was awarded to both military and civilians.

In the 18th century New variations of the iconography of St. appear. Alexander Nevsky. The prince was often depicted with a view of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra - as on an icon of the 18th century. from the Monplaisir Palace in Peterhof. The figure of the saint was usually placed on the right, and the main space of the board was reserved for depicting the buildings of the monastery.

St. Alexander Nevsky. 18th century icon from the Monplaisir Palace in Peterhof. Timing belt

In the 18th century a series of images of Alexander Nevsky will also appear with a small hagiographical cycle consisting of four brands. For example, the icon “St. Alexander Nevsky with scenes from his life” from the second half of the 18th century, painted in the village of Pavlovo-on-Oka (NGKhM), presents scenes illustrating the Battle of the Neva.

There are individual icons depicting the prince against the backdrop of the Battle of the Neva (GMIR).

In the 19th century there is an interesting example of the combination of the Mother of God of Bogolyubskaya with the image of a kneeling Alexander, although traditionally the Mother of God of Bogolyubskaya was depicted with Prince Andrei. In the 19th century hagiographic icons of St. were created. Alexander Nevsky with a small number of subjects. In the menaion icons of the New Age, St. Alexander is depicted in princely robes.

Most of the icons of the 18th–19th centuries. depicts St. Alexander Nevsky exactly as established by the Holy Synod - in military armor and a royal robe, decorated with ermine, sometimes on horseback.

St. Alexander Nevsky in schema. Nun Juliania (M.N. Sokolova). Pill icon. Sergiev Posad. 1960-1980

In the 20th century, Saint Alexander Nevsky was depicted both in the traditions of the “grand-ducal” version, and in the image of a schema-monk - in accordance with the recommendation of the Iconographic Original of the 18th century: “in the schema, the monk’s vestments, the Kudertsy see a little is under the schema, he is broad-shouldered in body, the chasuble a hook, underhanded game, a scroll clutched in the hand” (Stroganov icon-painting original, BAN).

Nun Juliania (M. N. Sokolova) in the mid-1970s. An icon-tablet of St. Alexander Nevsky, representing both the grand-ducal and schematic versions, was written as a teaching aid for students in the icon-painting class of the Moscow Theological Seminary.

The wide distribution of icons of St. Alexander Nevsky is associated with the significant role that Russia played in the world politics of the 19th century. In particular, the victories won during the Russian-Turkish conflicts and the liberation of peoples enslaved by the Turks contributed to the veneration of St. Alexander Nevsky in Europe. Cathedrals in honor of Alexander Nevsky were erected in Paris (1859–1861), Sofia (1883–1912), Warsaw (1894–1900), Belgrade (1894–1912) and Tallinn (1895–1900).

St. Alexander Nevsky in his life. 19th century icon Private collection

Special veneration of Saint Alexander Nevsky is associated with the defense of the Motherland during the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945. At the call of His Beatitude Metropolitan Sergius of Moscow, the believing people raised funds to create an aviation squadron named after Alexander Nevsky. Hero of the Soviet Union Alexander Dmitrievich Bilyukin fought on one of the fighters with the inscription “Alexander Nevsky” on board; During the war years, he completed 430 successful combat missions, in 36 air battles he personally shot down 23 and 1 enemy aircraft as part of a group.

Many churches are dedicated to the Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky in Rus'. Thus, within the Moscow diocese, among the Russian saints, the most churches are dedicated to him. Numerous icons of the saint are in military units and on warships of the Russian armed forces. There is no doubt that based on well-known iconographic subjects, new ones will appear, testifying to the prayerful veneration and gracious help of the saint, who once uttered the famous words: “God is not in power, but in truth.”

Bishop Nikolai of Balashikha

Sources and literature

[1] Antonova V.I., Mneva N.E. Catalog of Old Russian painting of the 11th – early 18th centuries. (State Tretyakov Gallery). T. 1–2. M., 1963.

[2] Begunov Yu. K. Life of Alexander Nevsky in easel painting of the early 17th century. TODRL. T. 22. M.-L., 1966.

[3] Old Russian princely lives. M., 2001.

[4] Icons of Vladimir and Suzdal. State Vladimir-Suzdal Historical, Architectural and Art Museum-Reserve. M., 2006.

[5] Juliania (Sokolova), nun. The work of an icon painter. Holy Trinity Lavra of Sergius, 1995.

[6] Kvlividze N.V. Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky. Iconography. Orthodox encyclopedia. T. 1. M., 2000.

[7] Prince Alexander Nevsky and his era. St. Petersburg, 1995.

[8] Komashko N.I., Saenkova E.M. Russian hagiographic icons. M., 2007.

[9] Museum named after Andrei Rublev. From new arrivals. M., 1995.

[10] Nazarenko A.V. Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky. Orthodox encyclopedia. T. 1. M., 2000.

[11] Okhotnikova V.I. The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky. SKKDR. Vol. 1. L, 1889.

[12] Panchenko O. V. From archaeographic research in the field of Solovetsky book literature. “Canon to all the saints who shone forth in Great Russia in Lent.” Essay by Sergius Shelonin. TODRL. T. 56. St. Petersburg, 2004.

[13] Podobedova O.I. Miniatures of Russian historical manuscripts. On the history of Russian facial chronicling. M., 1965.

[14] Complete collection of Russian chronicles. T. 12–13. A chronicle collection called the Patriarchal or Nikon Chronicle. M., 2000.

[15] Smirnova E.S., Laurina V.K., Gordienko E.A. Painting of Veliky Novgorod, XV century. M., 1982.

[16] Sokolov M.I. Census books of the Kostroma Ipatiev Monastery of 1595. M., 1890.

Shrines and temples of Alexander

The relics of the saint rest in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra (St. Petersburg). During the years of persecution they were preserved, although the cancer was transferred to the museum. In 2007, the shrine was transported to places associated with the earthly life of the prince. Particles of relics are found in Vladimir, Sofia (Bulgaria), and the Urals.

The temple in the name of the saint, located in Moscow, is very famous. In 2009, the miraculous image of the Mother of God “Hodegetria”, which has ancient origins, was transferred here. Now the icon is constantly in the Alexander Nevsky Church. The church has a unique iconostasis consisting of five tiers. The floors are made of marble, special treatment allows it to shine by reflecting light. The special design of the vault provides excellent acoustics. The temple is worth a visit.

Icon of the Last Supper
Icon Tree of Life - read here
Icon “Hodegetria” - https://bogolub.info/ikona-odigitriya-znachenie-istoriya-v-chem-pomogaet/

The icon of St. Alexander Nevsky will be a wonderful gift for a military man, a leader holding a responsible position. Before her, you can ask the Lord to help you fulfill your duties with dignity. You can turn to him in prayer for any other reason; the church does not impose restrictions on this.

Collector and defender of Russian lands

The future ruler was born in difficult times - in 1220, his earthly journey ended at 42 years old. Being the heir of the Pereyaslavl prince, Alexander from an early age learned what politics, war, and responsibility for the fate of his subjects were. His grandfather was Prince Vsevolod, who managed to unite the lands from Vladimir to Ryazan. As a six-year-old boy, Alexander and his brother were ordained warriors; the bishop himself blessed him for exploits in the name of the Russian land and the Church.

It is not for nothing that Saint Alexander Nevsky in icons is often dressed like a warrior - in his hands is a sword, under his cloak is metal chain mail, on his head is a helmet with an image of a cross. The prince fought his first battle early, at the age of 14, under the leadership of his father. Then the city of Dorpat was taken. A couple of years later, the prince is left to govern Novgorod on his own, as Yaroslav leaves for Kyiv. The young prince marries the daughter of the Prince of Polotsk - apparently, the marriage had political grounds.

In difficult years the young man fell to reign - the crusaders threatened from the west, the Swedes were advancing. For many years, the Mongol-Tatars kept most of the Russian lands at bay. But the small squad led by Alexander did not lose heart - people believed that the Lord would stand next to them for a just cause. After all, they did not attack, but defended their own homes and families.

Personalized icon for Alexander

The life story of St. Prince Alexander Nevsky is very interesting and unusual. On the one hand, he is known as a great commander who managed to unite many Russian lands, on the other, as a monk. The first part of the life of the great Russian commander was devoted to the work of establishing statehood in Rus'. This was the time of his military exploits for the glory of the Orthodox faith.

The personalized icon of St. Alexander Nevsky, which many men with the name Alexander try to buy in the online store, is popular among those who dedicated their lives to defending the Fatherland. Many Alexanders consider this saint their patron in all their affairs and endeavors. In Orthodox churches, celebrations in his honor are held on May 23

and August 30.

The meaning of the holy icon of Alexander

Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky was born in 1220. His father was the Grand Duke of Vladimir - Vsevolod the Big Nest, who during his reign managed to unite the Ryazan, Novgorod and Vladimir lands. Alexander performed his first feat of arms in 1234 with his father’s army on the Omovzha River. In 1236, St. Alexander became a full-fledged Prince of Novgorod and married the daughter of the Prince of Polotsk.

The principality of the blessed prince fell on difficult times - he had to fight with the Swedes, the Crusaders, and the Livonian Germans, therefore, on the Orthodox icon of Alexander Nevsky he is almost always depicted in battle armor. The history of the noble victories of this great commander remembers a lot. Having concluded an alliance with the Golden Horde, Alexander Nevsky becomes the Prince of Vladimir and Novgorod. In 1263, by the will of the Lord, the prince completed his great historical journey in life.

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Christian icon of Alexander embroidered with beads

A wonderful birthday gift would be a personalized icon for Alexander with the image of the holy warrior. In the Orthodox industry there is a very wide selection of holy icons depicting this image. Alexander Nevsky is considered the patron saint of the military and diplomats, so it would be appropriate to give people of these professions an icon of St. Alexander embroidered with beads.

A Christian icon made of beads is distinguished by its unique appearance, which is created thanks to the addition of semi-precious or precious stones, gimp, the beautifully painted face of the saint and the bright, skillfully selected colors of the beads. A properly selected handmade frame will be a successful finishing touch to the design of this beautiful icon. If the choice to buy an icon of Alexander in an online store falls on a beaded icon, you can be sure that it will be made in accordance with all Orthodox canons and from the highest quality materials.

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