Events in St. Petersburg in honor of the 800th anniversary of the birth of Alexander Nevsky
Exhibition “The Holy Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky. Images and symbolism"
About 150 monuments of art of the 13th - 20th centuries from the collection of the State Hermitage. The center of the exhibition will be a silver shrine, commissioned by Elizaveta Petrovna. Rare artifacts from the life of Alexander Nevsky himself, monuments from the Soviet period and modern times will be presented.
- May 14 - August 31
- State Hermitage Museum
Art-life "Alexander - the wise power of Russia"
A large musical performance in honor of the Grand Duke will be performed by the choir of the clergy of the St. Petersburg diocese under the direction of Yuri Gerasimov and the Kronverk Brass ensemble.
- May 17 at 19:00
- Concert Hall of the Mariinsky Theater
Scientific and practical conference dedicated to the church veneration of the blessed prince Alexander Nevsky
The main theme of the conference is the spiritual aspect of the life of Alexander Nevsky and his glorification as a saint.
- June 12 at 10:00
- Alexander Nevsky Lavra
Exhibition “Iconography of the Holy Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky”
The iconographic image of Prince Alexander in the works of masters - from ancient times to the present. Using the example of icons from churches in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region.
- June 12 - August 1
- Alexander Nevsky Lavra
Military-historical festival dedicated to the Battle of the Neva
A historical reconstruction and a large folklore military-historical festival will be held in Ust-Izhora - on the site of the famous Battle of the Neva.
- July 28th
- village Ust-Izhora
The main celebrations in honor of the 800th anniversary of Alexander Nevsky
The religious procession dedicated to the heavenly patron of St. Petersburg will take place on September 12, the day of the transfer of the relics of the Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky. The procession will take place along Nevsky Prospekt from the Kazan Cathedral to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra.
On the same day, the award of the Government of St. Petersburg “For merits in strengthening national unity, preserving cultural and historical heritage” named after Alexander Nevsky will take place, and in the evening a large festive concert will be given at the Oktyabrsky Concert Hall.
- September 12 from 09:00
XV International Christian Film Festival "Nevsky Blagovest"
The large-scale cultural and educational film forum will feature films with religious content, as well as works dedicated to modern social and cultural issues. The festival will be attended by the Russian Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Russia, the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria.
- November 15—21
- Alexander Nevsky Lavra
Closing of the year of the 800th anniversary of Saint Prince Alexander Nevsky
A musical and literary evening, which will put a beautiful end to the celebration of the anniversary, will take place on the stage of the Alexandrinsky Theater. The concert will be attended by choirs of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy and student groups of St. Petersburg universities.
- December 6 at 19:00
- Alexandrinsky Theater
The poster of events dedicated to the 800th anniversary of Alexander Nevsky is being updated. Stay tuned.
Administration of Slavyanoserbsky district of the Lugansk People's Republic
The personality of Alexander Nevsky is extremely significant in the history of our Fatherland. The Novgorod prince was an outstanding politician, diplomat, and great warrior who did not lose a single battle thanks to his talent as a strategist. He became a true custodian of the Orthodox faith and was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church for his services.
On May 13, a number of events dedicated to the 800th anniversary of the birth of A. Nevsky were held at the Slavyanoserbsk Central Regional Children's Library for different age categories of readers.
At the book exhibition “The Holy Knight of the Russian Land,” an excursion into the history of “Alexander Nevsky - the glorious name of Russia” was held for older readers. Secondary school students watched the feature film “Alexander Nevsky” online in the Internet center, and primary school students watched the cartoon “The History of Alexander Nevsky for Kids.”
On May 13, in Zheltenskaya b/f No. 12, a historical educational hour “The Life of Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky” was held for 6th grade students.
During the event, the children learned that the outstanding commander, hero of the Battle of the Neva and the Battle of the Ice, Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky was a wise ruler and an experienced diplomat. He not only defended the Fatherland from the invasion of the West, but also managed to build such relations with the Horde that ensured the preservation of Rus' from constant raids by nomads.
In the memory of the people, Alexander Nevsky will forever remain a hero of Rus', a great commander and warrior, defender of the Russian land and the Fatherland.
On May 13, in Zimogorievskaya b/f No. 2 and Zimogorievskaya children's b/f No. 4, an hour of history “The Holy Defender of the Russian Land - Alexander Nevsky” was held for readers of different age categories.
During the event, older people present got acquainted with the personality of Alexander Nevsky. We learned about what a great commander and statesman Alexander Nevsky was. About his victories in the Battle of the Neva in 1240 and the Battle of the Ice in 1242. About his activities as a prince, who did a lot for the revival of Rus' after the Horde invasion.
For readers of primary school age, a video presentation “The Grand Duke - Alexander Nevsky” was shown, dedicated to the life and work of the prince.
On May 13, Lozovskaya b/f No. 21, together with the school library, conducted a historical excursion “Defender of the Fatherland” with students of the 2nd grade of high school.
At the event, children learned about the historical events that took place on Novgorod soil in ancient times, when Rus' suffered from the devastating raids of the Tatars, Mongols and other invaders. Using the example of Alexander Nevsky, the children learned about the courage and bravery of Russian soldiers, got acquainted with other books telling about this outstanding Russian commander, who became a national hero, and also listened to the poem “Defenders of the Russian Land” from O. Tikhomirov’s book “On Guard of Rus'”.
On May 13, a historical excursion “Holy Warrior of Orthodoxy” was held at Metallistskaya b/f No. 3.
The head of the library introduced visitors to this amazing personality, the defender of the Russian land, who did a lot for the revival of Rus'. An Orthodox book from the home archive “Nizhny Novgorod Cathedral of the Holy Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky” was presented to the attention of visitors. History and Modernity", which tells about the majestic temple of the Nizhny Novgorod land - the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, as well as about the life of the holy noble prince. Thematic brochures were distributed to all those present, which briefly described the life path of the great commander.
On May 13, a conversation “Alexander Nevsky - Defender of the Russian Land” was held at Rodakovskaya b/f No. 20.
During the conversation, the librarian introduced the biography and amazing personality of the historical hero. She said that Alexander Nevsky was a statesman, a great commander and defender of the Russian land, who did not lose a single battle. He became famous not only for his military valor, but also for his wisdom.
Participants in the event learned about his victories in the Battle of the Neva and the Battle of the Ice, and how courageously he fought his enemies, protecting his people.
Sabovskaya b/f No. 13 held a conversation with readers on May 13 “Alexander Nevsky - an example of courage and glory of the Russian land”
The librarian told those present about Alexander Nevsky, an outstanding Russian commander, hero of the Battle of the Neva and the Battle of the Ice, the Grand Duke, during whose reign Rus' defended its independence from the Catholic West.
At the end of the event, everyone received booklets with a biography of the great commander, politician, diplomat and brave warrior.
On May 13, an educational hour “Alexander Nevsky - the sun of the Russian land” was held in Frunzenskaya b/f No. 1 with readers of primary school age.
The librarians told the children that Alexander Nevsky performed princely service at a difficult historical moment, when the Russian land, torn apart by internal strife, found itself under the blows of external enemies. Having won brilliant victories in the battles on the Neva and the Battle of the Ice, the Grand Duke was forced to be a wise diplomat in negotiations with the Golden Horde in order to save Rus' from final ruin. Thanks to this, our Fatherland has withstood the most difficult trials with dignity. All the activities of Alexander Yaroslavovich were determined by sincere love for his people and devotion to the faith of his fathers.
In the library, a book and illustrative exhibition “Alexander Nevsky - the historical memory of the people” has been arranged for readers.
On May 13, Khoroshenskaya b/f No. 7 conducted a historical excursion for readers “The Holy Knight of the Russian Land.”
The librarian introduced those present to an amazing personality, a national hero, a great defender of the Russian land, a great commander who did not lose a single battle, a saint - Alexander Nevsky.
The event participants got acquainted with the exploits of the famous commander in literature, painting, cinema, and learned that “The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky,” which is a monument of ancient Russian literature, has survived to this day.
On May 13, Rodakovskaya children's b/f No. 5 held a conversation with readers, high school students, “He was invincible in the Battle of Nevskaya.”
At the event, the children got acquainted with their childhood and youth, as well as with interesting facts from the life of the great Russian commander, Prince of Kyiv and Vladimir Alexander Yaroslavovich, and heard about his great battles for Rus'. In the historical figure of Alexander Nevsky, students saw the courage, fortitude and bravery of a Russian warrior who defended his Fatherland.
His name will always be glorified by grateful descendants
Among the holy Russian warriors, defenders of Rus', one of the most honorable places belongs to the holy noble prince Alexander Nevsky. On both his paternal and maternal lines, Alexander Yaroslavich was the great-great-grandson of the glorious Grand Duke of Rus' Vladimir Monomakh. Among his closest ancestors were also St. blgv. Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky, the first uncrowned autocrat of Ancient Rus', and his grandfather, Grand Duke Vsevolod “Big Nest”, and his uncles Princes Mstislav the Brave and Mstislav the Udaloy. All of them were famous for their military exploits and made a great contribution to the history of Russia. Yes, and Father St. Alexandra Grand Duke Yaroslav Vsevolodovich was an outstanding personality. He held high the banner of grand ducal power and did a lot to save Rus' in the very first difficult years of the Mongol-Tatar yoke. The mother of the holy prince, Princess Alexandra, among the nuns of Theodosius, was canonized. The Holy Right-Believing Prince Alexander Nevsky embodied all the best qualities of his outstanding ancestors. “The personality of Prince Alexander fully combined the traits of selfless courage and a “heart of gold” with prudence inherited from his Suzdal ancestors. All this was imbued with deep faith in the truth of the Lord and created a wonderful harmonious combination, a solid, powerful character, so necessary for Rus' in one of the most difficult times of our history,” writes a modern historian about him (Alexander Volovik, “St. Prince Alexander Nevsky ", M., 2008. P. 30).
The most ancient lists of the life of the holy prince depict him in the image of a fabulous hero who, while defeating his enemies, was himself invincible. The Lives praise Alexander's mind and heart, beauty and courage, and portray him as a richly gifted individual both spiritually and physically. “He was like King Achilles in intelligence and courage, his stature was greater than anyone else’s, his voice was like a trumpet among the people; his face was like that of the beautiful Joseph, his strength was half that of Samson; and God gave Him the wisdom of Solomon, courage, like that of King Vespasian, who captivated the entire land of Judea,” says one of the oldest historical stories written about the glorious prince Alexander Nevsky (“The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky,” quoted from the book “Literature Ancient Rus'", M., 1990. P. 203).
He has always been a folk hero, one of the most revered Russian saints. The holy noble prince Alexander Nevsky, Grand Duke of Vladimir and Kiev, at the age of sixteen, and, according to some information, even at the age of 14, together with his brother Fedor, was appointed by his father to reign independently. And not just anywhere, but in “Mr. Veliky Novgorod,” famous for its freemen, veche traditions and steep, capricious character. How much strength of will, caution, endurance and at the same time the ability to deal with people, to be condescending towards their views and habits was required from the young prince, so that, by fulfilling the will of his father, he would attract the trust and love of the Novgorodians, who did not want to give up any of their their liberties. And he managed to overcome all these difficulties. “My father was pleased with him. The Novgorodians loved him... Our prince is without sin, was their general review,” an ancient biographer said about him (“Lives of Russian Saints,” M., 2008. P. 428).
The talented young man managed to do what many eminent princes could not cope with. The Novgorodians obeyed him not out of fear, but out of conscience. The people fell in love with Prince Alexander especially strongly after, during a time of famine, he opened the prince's granaries and began distributing bread to the needy. Thus, many were saved from starvation. And this happened more than once. But with all his kindness and mercy, if it was necessary for the good of the matter, the young prince showed an iron will and unshakable steadfastness of character. He was an outstanding personality in all respects: both as a wise ruler - a father for the people, and as a talented commander, defeating enemies not with numbers, but with skill, and as a skillful politician, able to build relationships with earthly rulers in such a way that everyone respected him and wanted to him of peace.
The years of Alexander Yaroslavich's reign were one of the most difficult periods in the entire history of Rus'. The Mongol-Tatar hordes poured in from the East, sweeping away everything in their path, which ravaged and burned to the ground all except Veliky Novgorod, the Russian principalities mired in civil strife. An equally terrible threat came from the West, as the Swedes, Danes, Germans, and Lithuanians moved their troops, taking advantage of the difficult situation in Rus', to grab new territories for themselves. The situation was desperate, but at this time Prince Alexander, with his heroic victories, saved Rus' from destruction. The prince realized that it was impossible to fight the Horde, because it would be madness similar to suicide. He showed loyalty to the Tatars, trying to appease them with gifts, and maintained peace with them by all means. But from the West, in numerous battles, he managed to repel the threat, winning a number of remarkable victories. This turned out to be the wisest and most far-sighted decision. To fight the Tatars means dooming the country to complete destruction. In addition, the Tatars were indifferent and did not touch the Church, did not propagate their faith. On the contrary, the knightly orders of the West brought not only death and destruction to the Russian people, but even encroached on their soul and faith. Therefore St. Prince Alexander directed all his forces to fight the knights.
In 1240, on July 28, the day of the Baptist of Rus', 20-year-old Alexander Yaroslavich with a small Novgorod squad inflicted a crushing defeat on the Swedes. The Swedes on many ships, led by an experienced commander, the king's son-in-law, Earl Birger, came to the banks of the Neva. Bishops and many Catholic priests arrived along with the Swedish army to convert the newly conquered tribes to the Latin faith.
Alexander Volovik writes: “This was a crusade against Rus'. Pope Gregory IX ordered the Bishop of Uppsala, with a bull dated December 9, 1237, to announce a crusade against the pagans and Russians. The Pope promised forgiveness of sins to all participants in the campaign, and eternal bliss to those who fell in battle. Preparations continued for more than two years. A large army gathered” (Alexander Volovik “St. Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky”, M, 2008. P. 43).
And now the Swedish army is at the mouth of the Neva. From here Birger sent his envoys to Novgorod to Prince Alexander, saying: “If you can, resist me, I am already here and taking your land captive.” Prince Alexander did not think long, call other princes for help and gather a large militia. Having received the Holy Mysteries of Christ, the prince asked Archbishop Spiridon to bless him and his squad for the upcoming battle. Then he turned to the soldiers: “Brothers! We are few, but the enemy is strong. But God is not in power, but in truth!” After the prayer service at St. Sofia, he quickly marched his army towards the enemies, who unloaded from the ships and were resting, not expecting an attack. Unexpectedly, with a swift blow, Alexander Yaroslavich attacked the Swedes from three sides. The advanced cavalry detachment of Russians rushed along the shore towards the ships, knocking down the bridges and cutting off those who did not go ashore. The enemy was in panic, everything was mixed up in a fierce battle, where each of the Russians fought one for ten. Moreover, the prince himself, loudly giving orders and commands to the army, fought in the common ranks, like a simple warrior, and showed miracles of courage and bravery. According to the Life, in single combat, Alexander Yaroslavich struck Earl Birger himself in the face with his sharp spear. The Swedish army was left without a leader and fell into even greater confusion.
“Despite the numerical superiority of their knights, the crusaders were forced to retreat to the augers standing near the shore. A fierce battle continued right next to the water. But the wounding of the jarl himself, the death of many noble knights, the capture and sinking of ships by a foot army, ultimately led to terrible panic in the ranks of the Swedes. The crusaders began to hastily board the ships, moving away in disarray from the coastline within the distance of an arrow's flight" (Prot. Alexander Sokolov, "The Holy Knight of the Russian Land", Nizhny Novgorod, 2008. P. 56).
Many Swedes who did not have time to board the ships were exterminated by the Izhorians, whom Prince Alexander left in ambush. The battle continued all day, and by the end of the day it became obvious that the enemy army was defeated. Leaving many dead without burial, the remnants of the huge army of Swedes on the surviving ships fled in disgrace. For this glorious victory, the people named Prince Alexander Nevsky. An ancient legend says that on the eve of the Battle of the Neva, the warrior of the guard post Pelgusius saw the holy passion-bearers princes Boris and Gleb, hurrying in a boat to help their relative Alexander. This vision is hope for help from above, as well as the words spoken by the noble prince on the eve of the battle: “God is not in power, but in truth!” - inspired the Novgorod squad to a feat. These words inspired subsequent generations of Russian soldiers.
Not far from the site of the Battle of the Neva, Peter I later founded the famous Alexander Nevsky Lavra in St. Petersburg and in 1724 transferred the relics of the saint there.
Alexander Nevsky won an even more glorious victory over the Livonian Knightly Order on the ice of Lake Peipus on April 5, 1242, on the day of the Feast of the Praise of the Mother of God. The battle went down in history under the name “Battle of the Ice.” The Nevsky Knight specially built the united Suzdal-Vladimir and Novgorod regiments on the ice of Lake Peipsi. He very successfully positioned his troops and calculated everything so that the natural conditions themselves and the thin spring ice would help him defeat his formidable enemy. The knights lined up in a wedge and moved towards the waiting enemy. This proven combat technique always brought them victory. It was impossible to withstand the blow of this shell-clad bulk, which, like a battering ram, swept away everything in its path. But the Russians fought to the death. They knocked the heavily armored knights off their horses and finished them off, almost motionless, to the end. Everyone got stuck in a positional struggle, and the battle stopped in place.
Then Alexander Nevsky brought cavalry into battle, striking the enemy in the flanks, then the ambush regiment struck the knights in the rear and sent them into a stampede. This is how the historiographer St. describes this battle. Prince: “The knights were the first to start the battle. Clad from head to toe in iron armor, they moved towards the Russian army in order to crush it with their numbers. But here they met such a courageous resistance that they were amazed. Instead of the expected disorder or even the flight of the enemy, they saw with horror how the ranks of the Russians closed more tightly, forming a kind of living wall. The knights were embarrassed and stopped. Then the noble prince Alexander, noticing the embarrassment of the enemy, skillfully made a roundabout movement and attacked from the side from which the knights did not expect an attack at all. A terrible slaughter took place. The losses of the knights were enormous. The survivors sought salvation in flight, but the Russians overtook them and killed them...” (Pereverzentsev “Russia the Great Destiny”, M., 2006. P. 234-235).
Many knights died, some of them were captured, and many more found their grave at the bottom of the lake under the broken thin spring ice. According to the “Life”, after the victory during the prince’s entry into Pskov, 50 noble knights walked barefoot and bareheaded beside his horse, and many ordinary captives sadly wandered behind them. Almost nothing remained of the recently formidable mighty army. This was the end of the glory and military power of the order. Some historians, especially German ones, for whom the very memory of the Battle of the Ice is unpleasant, try to deny the very fact of this battle. But this is evidenced by Russian chronicle sources and German and Livonian chronicles.
From 1957 to 1962 A scientific and archaeological expedition led by military historian Karaev worked in these places. Historians, ethnographers, archaeologists, hydrologists, and physicists have thoroughly studied the entire area. The location of the Raven Stone rock cliff and the coordinates of the battle itself were precisely established. There, on the shores of Lake Peipus, a museum and historical and cultural museum named after Alexander Nevsky was created. In his research, the director of the center, Vladimir Potresov, gives a complete picture of the Battle of the Ice.
For all of Rus', the Neva and Chud battles were of great importance. The threat from the West, which was trying to enslave and Catholicize the outlying Russian principalities, was repelled. These victories were also very important for raising the spirit of the Russians, which had completely fallen due to the Tatar invasion.
After such glorious battles, the Nevsky Knight, however, did not stop there and brought matters to a complete victory over his opponents. Having undertaken a series of campaigns in the Estonian and Lithuanian lands, he liberated Russian cities captured by enemies and for a long time discouraged the desire to fight with Russia. The enemies were so afraid of Prince Alexander that even the very news of his approach with an army terrified them. The prince won twenty victories against his western neighbors who encroached on Russian land. The Life notes that Prince Alexander did not seize foreign lands and never attacked anyone. Considering this period of the life of St. Prince, Metropolitan of Tashkent and Central Asia Vladimir writes: “Crushing the neighbors who insidiously attacked Rus', he did not take away their lands, did not impose political dependence on the vanquished, but made peace, content only with the return of the captured territories and inhabitants, as well as compensation for the damage caused” (Cit. based on the book Alexander Volovik, "St. Prince Alexander Nevsky", M., 2008. P.229).
Political agreements with Sweden, Norway, the German Order State and other neighbors of Rus' under Prince Alexander certainly included clauses on the development of trade and economic cooperation. Trade agreements with Lubeck and other cities of the Hanseatic League, concluded by the prince, especially contributed to the economic revival of Rus'. Moreover, he always showed generosity and nobility in his relations with his neighbors. History testifies that the Nevsky Knight, being a great commander and defeating the strongest enemies with small forces, never turned his weapons to enslave his compatriots. His name is not tarnished by participation in any of the incessant internecine wars. “Whoever comes to us with a sword will die by the sword, and whoever comes in peace will be accepted in peace,” Alexander Nevsky liked to say.
The fame of his military prowess spread throughout the world. They also learned about him in the Horde. From there came an order for the prince to come to bow to the Great Khan. The arrogant Khan Batu sent to tell the holy prince: “If you want to keep your land unharmed, hasten to come to me immediately and you will see the glory of my kingdom; You will gain something useful for yourself and your land” (“Lives and Works of Russian Saints”, M., 1993. P. 73).
The prince's diplomatic activity began. With this service, as a wise politician, he brought no less benefit to the Fatherland than with his military exploits. The prince went to the Horde with rich gifts, although he knew how dangerous it was, for not all the princes returned from there alive. When Alexander Nevsky arrived at the headquarters of the Great Khan, they demanded that he perform the pagan ritual of walking through fire and worshiping the sun, but the noble prince refused. Presenting himself before Batu himself, the prince said: “I am a Christian, and it is not appropriate for me to worship a creature instead of the true God and Creator. But before you, khan, I will kneel, for there is no power not from God, and now God has given us into your hands.” Then Batu said: “They told me the truth about you, prince, that you are in everything like your namesake, Alexander the Two-horned (i.e., the Macedonian), but now I see that you are greater than him.” And then he added: “This is a real prince!” (“Lives and works of Russian saints”, M., 1993. P. 74). Prince Alexander was showered with the khan's favors and returned home with honor. After this, grieving for the good of the Russian land, the prince repeatedly traveled to the Horde to prevent devastating invasions of Rus'.
The noble prince was no less steadfast in defending the spiritual boundaries of the country. In 1248, two cardinals arrived from Pope Innocent IV with a lengthy message and a promise of all help if the prince accepted the Catholic faith. But, despite many flattering speeches and promises of the legates, Alexander Nevsky decisively rejected their claims. “From Adam to the Flood... from Abraham to the death of King David... and to the Nativity of Christ and to His Crucifixion and Resurrection and Ascension to the reign of Constantine... to the First Council and to the VII... We know all this (that is, the truths of the Apostolic Faith) well and we don’t accept new teachings from you,” the prince answered them (“Lives and Creations of Russian Saints,” M., 1993. P. 76).
Prince Alexander knew very well the value of all the papal words and promises, as well as the fact that submission to the pope and the invasion of knightly orders only leads to spiritual and physical slavery and the ruin of the country. The example of another contemporary great commander, Prince Daniil of Galicia, spoke for itself. Therefore, the pope's legates returned to Rome empty-handed. Thus, despite the promises of a royal title and crown from the hands of the pope, as well as promises of military assistance from the knights of the West in the fight against the Tatars, the papal ambassadors received a strict and decisive refusal.
In 1252, after the unrest and uprising against the Tatars of his brother Andrei, Prince of Suzdal, Prince Alexander, saving Rus' from ruin, again went to the Horde. He managed not only to avert mortal danger, but also to obtain a number of benefits for the country. Even such wild and cruel enslavers as the Mongols, Prince Alexander Nevsky managed to inspire respect for himself and his people. He ensured that the Russian principalities did not conscript soldiers into the Horde army. At the request of the prince, all the clergy, churches and monasteries were freed from heavy, ruinous tribute. In the very capital of the Golden Horde, thanks to his intercession, the Sarai church diocese was established, and the bishop and the clergy not only cared for the Russian people, but there were known cases of baptism of noble Tatars. Then, in 1252, Alexander Nevsky received from Khan Sartak a label for the great reign of Kiev, Vladimir and Novgorod. Sartak subjugated all the princes of Rus' to him. Having become the Grand Duke, Alexander Yaroslavich did everything to ensure that the princes lived in peace, and that Rus' was revived and rebuilt. He himself personally humbled the appanage princes who rebelled against the unbearable yoke and forced them to pay tribute to the Horde. Not everyone understood him correctly, but it was not about honor, but about the life of the Russian people. Otherwise, the Horde could have completely destroyed him.
Prince Alexander Nevsky suppressed anti-Horde protests during the Tatar census in 1257, 1259, etc. He even imprisoned his son, Prince Vasily of Novgorod, who was indignant against the Tatar Baskaks, in 1260, and executed the main instigators. With such harsh measures, Alexander Nevsky established peace and order in Rus'. However, as Professor Bogdanov notes, all these uprisings and disturbances against the Tatar Baskaks did not occur without the participation of Prince Alexander himself.
Historians have long suggested that in all these anti-Horde speeches a single and strong guiding hand is visible. “A simultaneous riot in all major cities of Vladimir-Suzdal Rus' could not have arisen without the knowledge, or even the organizational participation, of Grand Duke Alexander,” writes A.P. Bogdanov (Bogdanov A.P. “Alexander Nevsky”, M., 2009. pp. 307-308). V.A. also points to this. Kuchkin, referring to the chronicles, which say that Prince Alexander in the early 60s sent letters to the cities of Rus' in which he ordered the Tatars to be beaten (“God is not in power, but in truth,” M., 2007. P. 246) .
In order to preserve his native land from the disastrous Tatar raids, he played a complex diplomatic game. Skillfully maneuvering between the Golden Horde authorities and the central Mongolian imperial government, Alexander sought forgiveness for the rebel princes, the release of Russian prisoners, and relief from the obligation to send Russian troops to support the Horde tumens on long campaigns.
“Alexander Nevsky largely succeeded in transforming Rus' from a tributary into a significant political partner of both the Golden Horde and the central government of the empire. Having achieved the double subordination of North-Eastern and North-Western Rus' to both Batu and the Great Khan, he had the opportunity, by playing on the contradictions between them, to significantly weaken the notorious yoke. At the same time, he managed not only to receive, but also to maintain military-political support from both the central and Golden Horde authorities. This was facilitated not only by a well-thought-out internal political line, but also by the prince’s personal friendly relations with the Mongolian rulers, who respected his courage, courage and loyalty to his obligations,” says Alexander Volovik (Alexander Volovik “St. Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky”, M., 2008. P. 20).
The rulers of the Golden Horde showed a strong interest in Orthodoxy. The son and successor of Batu, brother of Alexander Nevsky, Sartak was a Christian. One of the Horde princes named Peter became a revered Russian saint.
It should be especially noted that during the stay of St. Alexander Nevsky on the grand-ducal throne there were no raids of the Horde hordes on Rus', just as there were no internecine wars between Russian princes. But it cost the Grand Duke himself very dearly. He spent a lot of mental and physical strength to pacify Rus'. The prince experienced many difficult and painful moments when he humbled the princes who rebelled against the yoke, and at the same time his own heart literally bled. He took a lot of gold, silver and various expensive gifts to the Horde, appeasing the khans, but he spent no less to ransom prisoners. This is evidenced by historian N.M. Karamzin. St.'s heart ached. Alexander for the Russian land, and for its good he spared nothing.
The prince traveled to the Horde four times, risking his life, and in total spent about five years on these trips. Alexander Nevsky defended the rule of the people by Russian princes, his laws and his court, the inviolability of faith and church structure, the right to wage war and make peace. The power of the Tatars was limited to counting the people and collecting tribute. In a calm atmosphere, the noble prince built churches and monasteries. Together with Metropolitan Kirill II, he contributed in every possible way to the revival of all aspects of church life. This was of very great importance, because with the general fragmentation of Rus', the Church united everyone, and the Metropolitan, together with the Grand Duke, played a large role in the unification of the country. In the most difficult conditions of the yoke, it was the consolidating role of the Church and the preservation of the Orthodox faith as a strong spiritual core that ensured continuity, rare in history, in establishing the identity of our people. Prince Alexander Nevsky, throughout the years of his reign, consistently carried out the process of gathering Rus' around the new Vladimir center, instead of Kyiv. He issued loans to merchants from the princely treasury and established trade. From the borders of Southwestern Rus', turned into ruins by the Tatars, Alexander Nevsky invited several thousand peasant families to the Vladimir lands and helped them settle in a new place. He hired many artisans and provided them with work. With his wise, far-sighted policy under the Tatar yoke, he laid the foundation for the revival of the Russian state from the ashes. At the same time, the prince himself has always been the rule of faith and a model of Christian morality for the Russian lands.
Prince Alexander Nevsky was a man of the deepest faith, high spiritual life and sought first of all “the truth of God.” The author of “Life” wrote about him: “The prince is good, quiet, generous, meek, humble - he is in the image of God, not heeding wealth and not despising the blood of the righteous, the orphan and the widow, he judges the truth, a merciful, not a gold-lover, good to his household and a feeder coming from outside the countries. Be a priest-lover and a monk-lover and a beggar-lover, who honors and obeys the metropolitan and the bishop, like Christ himself” (Ancient Russian literature, M., 1980. P. 122).
Saint Theophan the Recluse says about him: “The rules of life of St. Alexandra are the rules of the Gospel, the spirit of Alexander is the spirit of Christ - not the spirit of the world, but the spirit of God, the spirit of self-sacrifice and self-crucifixion, who sacrificed himself to love for God and his brothers" (Alexander Volovik, "St. Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky" , M., 2008. P. 111). Sergei Perevezentsev writes: “The great statesman, who, at the cost of incredible efforts, preserved the people and lands of Rus' in very difficult times, created the basis of a powerful unified Russian state, preserved the very essence and Orthodox spirit of the Russian people, St. blgv. book Alexander Nevsky devoted himself entirely to serving the Motherland and St. Church, “laying down his soul for his friends” (S. Pereverzentsev “Russia’s Great Destiny”, M., 2006. P. 235).
And this is the highest degree of Christian achievement on earth. In the words of the Lord Himself: “Greater love has no one, than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Of the 43 years of his life, he spent 30 years in battles and military campaigns, defending the truth of God. All the great service of the noble prince was perfectly described by his contemporary with the following words: “He worked a lot for the Russian land... And for the great reign he gave his life and for the Orthodox faith” (“Lives of the Saints” according to the guide of the Four Menaions of Dmitry of Rostov August, M., 1905. P. 562).
These tireless efforts undermined the health of the Nevsky Knight. He died at the age of 43 on December 6, 1263 in Gorodets on the Volga, returning home after a long stay at the headquarters of the Great Khan. Before the death of St. Prince Alexander took monastic vows with the name Alexy. Having learned about the death of the prince, Metropolitan Kirill exclaimed: “The sun of the Russian land has set!” On the day of the meeting of his honorable remains, a great crowd of people gathered in Vladimir, and the chronicler Fr. The people loved and revered Alexander Nevsky very much. In the Life of St. blgv. The prince is told: “And his name became famous in all countries, from the Sea of Egypt to the Arkhryt mountains, and on the other side of the Varangian Sea and to the great Rome” (Bogdanov A.P. “Alexander Nevsky”, M., 2009. P. 310) .
In 1547, the Church canonized him as a saint. Relics of St. of the Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky are now in the Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra in St. Petersburg. He is the patron saint of the Russian army, especially the Cossacks, who consider the saint's memory days - December 6 and September 12 - days of Cossack valor and glory. The main Cossack military temple was the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Krasnodar. Destroyed during the years of hard times, it has now been restored in all its splendor and is the main spiritual center of the Cossacks of Kuban.
The center of spiritual, educational and cultural life of the entire Russian Orthodox Church has always been and is the Alexander Nevsky Lavra in St. Petersburg. In total, more than 1,100 churches and chapels in the world are dedicated to St. Prince Alexander Nevsky.
At all times the image of St. Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky inspired the Russian people to the feat of defending the Fatherland. His bright image led the Russian squads assembled by his distant descendant Dimitri Donskoy to victory on the Kulikovo field. With the name of St. Alexander, Russian regiments went into battle during the Patriotic War of 1812 and the First World War. As signs of Russian military glory, magnificent monuments and Alexander Nevsky Orthodox churches stand throughout Europe. Alexander Nevsky inspired Soviet soldiers to defend their homeland during the Great Patriotic War. There are known cases when, in the trenches, wearing the Order of Alexander Nevsky, as if on an icon, Russian officers swore to beat the enemy even harder, just as Alexander Yaroslavich did. The glorious name “Alexander Nevsky” was inscribed on each fuselage of the squadron’s aircraft, which was made with money raised by the Russian Orthodox Church. Our warriors carried this holy name with great honor and love and won a victory over their mortal enemy, finishing him off in the very lair. Modern citizens of Russia, the spiritual heirs of his glorious victories, also love and honor him. Knight of the Order of St. blgv. book Alexander Nevsky, the ever-memorable Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' Alexy II wrote about the blessed prince: “The valiant defender of the Fatherland, the wise ruler who laid the foundations of the Russian State, which grew thanks to the tireless and gracious labors of his descendants into a mighty power, St. Prince Alexander Nevsky, highly revered by the people, the Russian Orthodox Church, became a bright symbol of Russia itself” (Quoted from the book. Alexander Volovik “St. Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky”, M., 2008. P. 6).
It is no coincidence that from the 500 most prominent personalities of Russian history proposed in the large-scale project of the Rossiya TV channel, the people first chose 12 candidates, and then named Prince Alexander Nevsky “In the Name of Russia.” This name is written in golden letters in the book of history and culture of our country and will always be celebrated by grateful descendants.
Archpriest Rostislav Melnik, Stavropol
Russian Orthodox Church
On September 16, 2021, in the Sergius Hall of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, a meeting was held on the preparation and holding of anniversary events dedicated to the 800th anniversary of the birth of the Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky.
The event was led by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus', Chairman of the Church Organizing Committee for the preparation and holding of the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the birth of St. blgv. book Alexandra Nevsky, and Dmitry Nikolaevich Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the State Organizing Committee for the preparation and holding of the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the birth of St. blgv. book Alexander Nevsky.
June 24, 2014 President of Russia V.V. Putin signed a decree on celebrating the 800th anniversary of the birth of the Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky in 2021. By order of the Government of the Russian Federation, the State Organizing Committee of the celebrations was established.
The Russian Orthodox Church has approved the composition of the Church Organizing Committee for the preparation and holding of the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the birth of the Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky. In view of the special significance of the upcoming anniversary, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill decided to assume the chairmanship of this Organizing Committee. Metropolitan Tikhon of Pskov and Porkhov was appointed deputy chairman.
On behalf of the Russian Orthodox Church, the meeting was attended by: Metropolitan Barsanuphius of St. Petersburg and Ladoga; Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate; Metropolitan Dionysius of the Resurrection, first vicar of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus', manager of the affairs of the Moscow Patriarchate; Metropolitan Tikhon of Pskov and Porkhov, Chairman of the Patriarchal Council for Culture, Deputy Chairman of the Church Organizing Committee for the preparation and holding of the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the birth of St. blgv. Prince Alexander Nevsky; Bishop Nazariy of Kronstadt, vicar of the Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra; Bishop Paramon of Naro-Fominsk, Chairman of the Financial and Economic Administration of the Moscow Patriarchate; Bishop Thomas of Pavlovo-Posad, head of the Administrative Secretariat of the Moscow Patriarchate; Bishop Eugene of Bronnitsky, Chairman of the Synodal Department of Religious Education and Catechesis; Bishop Seraphim of Istra, Chairman of the Synodal Department for Youth Affairs; Bishop Savva of Zelenograd, Deputy Administrator of the Moscow Patriarchate; Bishop Stefan of Klin, Chairman of the Synodal Department for Cooperation with the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies, member of the State Organizing Committee for the preparation and holding of the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the birth of St. blgv. Prince Alexander Nevsky; Bishop Silouan of Peterhof, rector of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy; Archpriest Maxim Kozlov, Chairman of the Educational Committee of the Russian Orthodox Church; Archpriest Andrei Bondarenko, head of the Protocol Service of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus'; Archpriest Alexander Prytkov, deputy head of the Artistic and Production Enterprise of the Russian Orthodox Church “Sofrino”; Hieromonk Pavel (Shcherbachev), Deputy Chairman of the Patriarchal Council for Culture; N.I. Derzhavin, Deputy Head of the Press Service of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus'.
Representatives of government authorities, cultural institutions and public organizations took part in the meeting: V.R. Medinsky, Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Russian Military Historical Society; AND ABOUT. Shchegolev, Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Central Federal District; ABOUT. Lyubimova, Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation; S.S. Kravtsov, Minister of Education of the Russian Federation; V.N. Falkov, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation; A.I. Bocharov, governor of the Volgograd region; D.V. Molchanov, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, Tourism and National Policy of the Government of the Russian Federation; S.G. Obryvalin, First Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation; A.Yu. Manilova, State Secretary - Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, head of the working group of state and church organizing committees for the preparation and holding of the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the birth of St. blgv. book Alexander Nevsky; O.S. Yarilova, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation; O.S. Koroleva, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, Tourism and National Policy of the Government of the Russian Federation; A.V. Gromova, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Foundation for Promoting the Revival of Traditions of Mercy and Charity “Elizabeth-Sergius Educational Society”; M.N. Belogubova, special representative of the Governor of St. Petersburg in Moscow; I.K. Malkiel, head of the laboratory for scientific restoration of precious metals of the State Hermitage; A.V. Rogozhin, Deputy General Director of the Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company, Chairman of the Board of the Alexander Nevsky program.
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill addressed the participants of the meeting with an opening speech, in which he noted that the name of Alexander Nevsky has become one of the symbols not only of Russia, but of the entire Russian civilization.
Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation D.N. spoke about the progress of preparations for the anniversary celebrations. Chernyshenko, Chairman of the State Organizing Committee for the preparation and holding of the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the birth of St. blgv. Prince Alexander Nevsky. “This date is of national significance, and, as you noted, Your Holiness, Prince Alexander really went down in the history of Russia as a great statesman, as a warrior, as a diplomat who played a decisive role in establishing the sovereign policy of our state and, importantly, in preserving the Orthodox faith,” noted D.N. Chernyshenko. According to him, the State Organizing Committee has approved a plan of activities for preparing and holding the celebration, numbering 135 educational, educational and exhibition projects, providing for the creation of new tourist routes, holding scientific conferences, historical and literary competitions, reconstructions and other events.
“The spiritual and historical route “Alexander Nevsky” has been developed and included in the national program “My Russia,” said the head of the State Organizing Committee. — A series of events dedicated to Alexander Nevsky have already been held outside Russia — in Latvia, Estonia, Belarus and France. Work continues on the creation of the “Battle on the Ice” museum and exhibition complex, dedicated to the Battle of Lake Peipsi. Work is underway on the full-length animated film “The Prince” (the film’s director is Oscar winner A.K. Petrov).”
The Deputy Prime Minister of Russia emphasized that the priority task is to preserve cultural heritage sites that are associated with the name of Alexander Nevsky: “This is the Transfiguration Cathedral in Pereslavl-Zalessky, where he was baptized, the Alexander Nevsky Lavra in St. Petersburg, where Peter I transported his relics. Five more facilities in Moscow, Pskov, Chelyabinsk, Yaroslavl.”
“Funds from the federal budget have already been allocated to finance work to preserve these objects, but it is planned to expand the list of objects that need to be repaired for the anniversary,” added the head of the State Organizing Committee.
“A working group under the Ministry of Culture, together with the Patriarchal Council for Culture, collects proposals from various executive authorities. The plan has already been supplemented with events in the Tver, Vladimir, Novgorod regions, and St. Petersburg. The Ministry of Education is planning an all-Russian lesson dedicated to the birthday of Prince Alexander Nevsky. It is planned to organize the work of volunteer teams on monuments and churches dedicated to Alexander Nevsky. The Moscow Government also has very interesting projects, for example, “Public patronage of the burials of holders of the Order of Alexander Nevsky” is a very important project. But we are open to suggestions, we are waiting for new proposals from the meeting participants, and following the meeting, the draft action plan will be finalized, agreed with you, and we will submit it to the Government for approval,” concluded D.N. Chernyshenko.
Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Russian Military Historical Society V.R. Medinsky noted in his speech that many monuments to St. Alexander Nevsky have been erected in Russia. Currently, within the framework of the national project “Culture”, the Military Historical Society has announced a competition for the creation of a monument, which is supposed to be installed on the right bank of the Tosna River in the Leningrad region, at the place where, according to the tradition that has developed in recent years, a historical holiday is held in memory of about the Battle of the Neva. However, according to the head of the Russian Military Society, the main memorial in the country dedicated to St. blgv. book Alexander Nevsky, has yet to be built.
V.R. Medinsky said that a number of proposals for the restoration of churches located in the Central Federal District, which are connected with the life of the blessed prince, have been worked out. With the financial support of the Military Historical Society, the “Brotherly Corps of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker” foundation is working on the creation of the “Battle on the Ice” diorama. It was first presented at the Artillery Museum of St. Petersburg more than a year ago. “This huge canvas, 15 meters long and 4 meters high, has received the highest marks from historians and art critics. We plan to exhibit this diorama at an exhibition dedicated to the 800th anniversary of the birth of Alexander Nevsky, which will be held in the Manege. “Also, work is now underway on the construction of a public museum on Lake Peipsi, where this diorama will subsequently be placed along with a number of exhibits and additional materials dedicated to the life of Alexander Nevsky,” explained the chairman of the Russian Historical Society.
The Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation said that the archaeological scientific expedition on the shores of Lake Peipus, funded by the Military Historical Society, is in its second year, which “should establish the details of the battle, the details of the place where it took place.” “Currently, the underwater stage of this expedition is underway. The geographical points described in the chronicles are specified. The location of the Raven Stone is being clarified - it is hidden under water. If the assumptions now formulated by scientists are confirmed, we will have a lot of interesting facts that could be presented to the public,” concluded V.R. Medinsky.
Speech by the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Central Federal District I.O. Shchegolev with a demonstration of slides was dedicated to places associated with the life and work of the holy blessed prince Alexander Nevsky in the territory of central Russia - in Vladimir, Toropets, Pereslavl-Zalessky.
The Presidential Representative noted the need to build a monument to Alexander Nevsky in Moscow. One of the proposed places for installing the monument is Miusskaya Square, where there used to be a temple in the name of the holy prince. Options are also being considered for installing a monument in Zaryadye Park or at the intersection of Kosygina and Mosfilmovskaya streets, next to the Mosfilm film studio, where a masterpiece of world cinema was filmed - the film “Alexander Nevsky” by S. Eisenstein.
Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation O.B. Lyubimova spoke in detail, in particular, about measures to restore and preserve cultural heritage sites associated with the name of the holy prince in various Russian cities.
Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations, Rector of the All-Church Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, noted that the memory of the blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky is honored both within our Fatherland and abroad. Active preparations for an important historical date are carried out not only in the Russian Orthodox Church, but also in other Local Orthodox Churches. The restoration of two cathedrals bearing his name will be timed to coincide with the 800th anniversary of the saint. In the near future, by agreement with the hierarchy of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, it is planned to begin the restoration of the Patriarchal Cathedral in honor of St. blgv. book Alexander Nevsky in Sofia, said the DECR chairman. The second important project is related to the beautification of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Presov (Slovakia). His Beatitude Metropolitan Rostislav of the Czech Lands and Slovakia addressed the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation with a request for assistance in creating its interior picturesque decoration.
September 11, 2021 will mark the 160th anniversary of the consecration of the Alexander Nevsky Church on Rue Daru in Paris - the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Western European parishes of the Russian tradition. “The 800th anniversary of the great saint, whose image united Russian emigrants and their descendants, undoubtedly constitutes an important reason for raising the issue of restoring the cathedral dedicated to him,” the hierarch noted.
Also in 2021, representative offices of Rossotrudnichestvo, in close cooperation with church institutions of the Russian Orthodox Church around the world, will organize numerous events: exhibitions of reproductions, lectures by historians and priests, literary and historical quizzes, competitions, demonstrations of feature films and concerts, a series of thematic open lessons on courses Russian language and special history lessons that will be held at the Russian Centers of Science and Culture and other venues.
In addition, as part of the celebration in October 2021, it is planned to hold a conference in Moscow at the site of the All-Church Postgraduate School, which will be dedicated to the history and modern practice of co-operation between church and secular diplomacy. “It is expected that it will become a key event timed to coincide with the assembly day of the All-Church Postgraduate School (which traditionally takes place on October 3), where the church-diplomatic educational program “External Church Relations” has been implemented for several years,” said the rector of the OTSAD.
Head of the Laboratory for Scientific Restoration of Precious Metals of the State Hermitage I.K. Malkiel presented a video presentation with comments on the restoration of the tomb of Alexander Nevsky in the Hermitage.
Since 2006, the Alexander Nevsky program has been implemented, which is organized jointly by the Moscow Patriarchate, the St. Andrew the First-Called Foundation and the Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company. Chairman of the Board of the Alexander Nevsky program A.V. Rogozhin spoke about the progress of its implementation.
During the meeting, reports were also made by Metropolitan of St. Petersburg and Ladoga Barsanuphius, Minister of Education of the Russian Federation S.S. Kravtsov, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation V.N. Falkov, Chairman of the Patriarchal Council for Culture, Metropolitan Tikhon of Pskov and Porkhov, Governor of the Volgograd Region A.I. Bocharova.
In conclusion, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill cordially thanked all participants of the meeting for their work.
Press service of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus'
