Alexander Nevsky Memorial Day: what he did for Russia, what to pray for today
Every year the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) honors the memory of Prince Alexander Nevsky on December 6. In 2024, the festive date falls on a Friday. It is established in memory of the day of burial of the holy commander, the old style holiday is celebrated on November 23. Details - in the material "Izvestia".
Brief biography, history of the canonization of Alexander Nevsky
Alexander Nevsky, Prince of Novgorod, Kiev and Vladimir, was an outstanding military leader and diplomat. His victories in the Battle of Neva and in the Battle of Ice secured the northwestern frontiers of Russia. At the same time he skillfully negotiated with the khans of the Golden Horde, which helped the Russian state to avoid destructive invasions.
It is considered that the future saint was born on May 13, 1221 in the city of Pereslavl-Zalessky. However documents confirming it are not found, therefore researchers still try to establish an exact date. Alexander was a native of princely family of Rurikovich's sort. His father, Yaroslav Vsevolodovich, ruled in Novgorod and was remembered to people as meek, merciful and man-loving person. It did not get involved in feuds, but accumulated forces against the external enemy.
Reproduction of "Alexander Nevsky" painting. The central part of the triptych. Oil on canvas, 1942-1943. State Tretyakov Gallery
The great-grandfather of Alexander Nevsky was Prince Yuri Dolgoruky, the founder of Moscow. Another great-grandfather, Mstislav Rostislavich, was canonized. The great-grandfather of Alexander Nevskiy was Grand Prince of Kiev - Vladimir Monomakh.
According to traditions of Ancient Russia little Alexander was tonsured into princes when he was from 4 to 6 years old. Sacral rank of princely tonsure was made by bishop Simeon of Suzdal. However the historian Vladimir Kuchkin in 1996 has expressed the opinion that the convincing confirmation of the fact of tonsure in sources is not found.
From early childhood, the future prince was familiarized with the books of Holy Scripture and taught secular knowledge, and in addition to spiritual and mental development paid attention to physical training. Alexander knew how to ride a horse, possessed weapons and shooting skills.
In 1236 Alexander went through the rite of "planting on the table" (a rite that accompanied the accession to the princely throne in ancient Russia) in Novgorod in the Cathedral of St. Sophia. Three years later he married the Polovtsian princess Alexandra Bryachislavna. This marriage created a prerequisite for further unification of Russia into a single state. The first years of his reign the young ruler devoted to strengthening Novgorod by building fortresses around the possessions.
The fortress of Veliky Novgorod, located on the left bank of the Volkhov River
One of the most famous battles of Alexander is considered the Battle of Neva - it is also the first serious for him. At that time the prince was only 20 years old, the Battle of Neva took place on July 15, 1240. Two years later there was another battle, forever inscribed in the history of Russia - the Battle of Ice.
Throughout the later years of his reign, Alexander Nevsky combined the wisdom of a politician with a deep piety to protect the Orthodox faith and culture from external threats. After his death on November 14, 1263, his name remained in the memory of the people as a symbol of strength, knowledge and spiritual fortitude, and his exploits began to be perceived as a phenomenon of Divine Providence. Already in the XIV century people began to honor the prince as a saint: miracles were attributed to him, and his life was considered exemplary.
The canonization of Alexander Nevsky is an important event in the history of the Russian Orthodox Church. The process of recognizing him as a saint was due to both religious and political reasons related to the national identity of Russia. Of particular importance was the role of the prince in the defense of the Orthodox faith and Russian lands. The sainthood was also supported by Russian metropolitans, who saw in Alexander an example of an ideal Christian ruler.
Monument to Alexander Nevsky on Sokolikha Mountain (sculptor I.I. Kozlovsky, architect P.S. Butenko)
The canonization of Alexander Nevsky took place in 1547 at the Moscow Church Council under Grand Duke Ivan IV (the Terrible). This event became a part of the general policy of Ivan IV, directed on strengthening of national self-consciousness and religious unity of Russia.
Thus, the grounds for canonization include:
- support of the national idea: Alexander became a symbol of the defense of the Fatherland;
- religious significance: his image corresponded to the Christian ideals of the holy warrior;
- miracles at the tomb of the prince: numerous healings were reported.
The saint himself remains today the patron saint of Russia and an inspiration to the faithful. After his canonization, Alexander Nevsky was ranked among the countenance of noble princes, which emphasized his feats in the name of faith and people.
One of the key events that consolidated the cult of Alexander Nevsky was the transfer of his relics. In 1724, Peter I moved them from the city of Vladimir to the capital, St. Petersburg, to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. This also had not only spiritual, but also political significance, as the tsar saw in the saint an example of fighting for the interests of the state. The relics became the main shrine of the Lavra, and they are honored to this day.
Monument to St. Prince Alexander Nevsky, opened in Alma-Ata on the square in front of the cathedral named after the prince. The monument is a cast in bronze figure of Prince Alexander on horseback with the miracle-working Theodorovsk icon of the Queen of Heaven in his hands
Alexander Nevsky is considered one of the most respected Russian saints. After his canonization, his name entered the Orthodox calendar, and the day of commemoration is celebrated on December 6 (November 23, O.S.).
What to pray to Alexander Nevsky for today
Alexander Nevsky is the patron saint of warriors, rulers, defenders of the Fatherland, as well as all those who strive for justice, wisdom and strength of spirit. On December 6, the day of his memory, you can turn to the saint with a prayer, asking for help in various life situations.
Alexander Nevsky is prayed to for protection and strengthening of forces in case it is necessary to secure oneself and loved ones from physical or spiritual threats. He is an example of a wise ruler, so people turn to him for advice in difficult life situations, asking for help in making important decisions.
The saint patronizes those who take responsibility, work for the good of the family, society or the Fatherland. As the protector of his people, Alexander Nevsky can be a prayer patron for the preservation of peace, harmony and understanding in family relationships. The saint should be prayed to for the health of relatives, especially those in extremely difficult circumstances.
The exhibition "Holy Noble Prince Alexander Nevsky", timed to the 800th anniversary of Alexander Nevsky, in the Museum of the Patriotic War of 1812
Prayer on this day will help in strengthening one's own faith through the example of the life of Alexander Nevsky.
Examples of prayers to Alexander Nevsky:
"The swift helper of all those who come to you at all times, and our warm protector before the Lord, O holy and majestic Prince Alexander! Look mercifully upon us, unworthy ones, who by many iniquities have done wrong to ourselves, who now come to thy relics(or: thy icon) and cry out to thee from the depths of our hearts: Thou hast been in thy life a zealot and defender of the Orthodox Faith, and by thy warm prayers thou hast steadfastly established us in it. Thou hast carefully passed through the great ministry entrusted to Thee, and by Thy help instruct us to abide every day in which Thou hast been called. Thou, having defeated the hordes of the adversaries, hast driven away from the borders of Russia, and hast cast down all the visible and invisible enemies who oppose us. Thou, having forsaken the corruptible crown of earthly kingship, hast chosen a prayerless life, and now righteously crowned with an incorruptible crown, Thou art reigning in Heaven, we humbly beseech thee, we pray thee, to grant us a quiet and tranquil life and a steady march to the Eternal Kingship through thy intercession. But standing with all the saints before the Throne of God, pray for all Orthodox Christians, that the Lord God may preserve them by His grace in peace, health, long life and every good fortune in the years to come, that we may glorify and bless God, glorified in the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen."
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"O holy and majestic Prince Alexander! Look graciously upon us, unworthy servants of God (names), and grant us a quiet and serene life, and by your intercession arrange for us a steady march to the eternal Kingship, so that the Lord God may preserve us by his grace in peace, health, longevity, and every good fortune in the years to come, that we may always glorify and bless God in the Holy Trinity, glorified, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Alexander: name meaning, character traits
The name Alexander is of ancient Greek origin and translates as "defender of men" or "protecting men" (from the words ἀλέξω - "to protect" and ἀνήρ - "man"). It is one of the most popular names in the world, found in different cultures and languages.
Monument to Alexander the Great on the Thessaloniki waterfront
Its most famous bearer was King Alexander the Great, who in the 4th century BC created one of the largest empires in history. In Orthodox tradition, people with the name Alexander are protected by the Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky, the patron saint of all warriors and defenders.
It is believed that Alexanders are strong and confident, inclined to be persistent and determined. Often it is the people called by this name who become leaders in companies. They are accustomed to setting high goals and achieving them, showing persistence and perseverance.
Bearers of this name have creativity, love unconventional solutions and are able to surprise others with their creativity. Alexanders easily find a common language with people, have a natural charm and are able to win the trust of others. They tend to protect the weak, help the needy and show compassion.
Sometimes Alexanders are prone to stubbornness, too eager to lead or show irascibility. The desire to always be the first can cause tension in relationships. At the same time, the name Alexander suits strong, active and energetic individuals who are ready to take responsibility and inspire others.
In addition to the memorial day of Alexander Nevsky, people with the name Alexander, Boris, Alexei, Grigory, Ivan and others celebrate their namesakes on December 6. Traditionally, on the day of the name day should visit the church and pray to the heavenly patron, spend time thinking about spiritual things.
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