December 6 is the Memorial Day of Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky: history and traditions
- Новости
- Local news
- December 6 is the Memorial Day of Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky: history and traditions
In Russia, December 6 is the Memorial Day of the Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky, a talented commander, wise ruler and one of the most revered Russian saints. His image, imprinted not only in chronicles and lives, but also in the national memory, has served for centuries as a symbol of military valor, political foresight and unshakeable faith. In 2025, his veneration is celebrated on Saturday. Izvestia tells about the life of Alexander Nevsky, the history and traditions of the memorable date.
Who was the Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky
Alexander Yaroslavich was born in May 1221 in Pereyaslavl-Zalessky. He was the second son of Prince Yaroslav Vsevolodovich, later Grand Duke of Kiev and Vladimir, and Princess Rostislav, daughter of Prince Mstislav of Novgorod and Galicia.
Already at the age of four, Alexander underwent the rite of "princely tonsure" — initiation into the army, and from an early age accompanied his father on military campaigns. In particular, in 1235, he took part in the battle on the Emayigi River, where Yaroslav's troops routed the Germans.
In 1228, his father sent his sons to reign in freedom-loving Novgorod. After the sudden death of his elder brother Fyodor in 1233, Alexander, who was 17 years old at the time, became the rightful prince of Novgorod.
In 1239, Alexander married Alexandra, the daughter of Prince Bryachislav of Polotsk. The wedding took place in Toropets. In memory of this event, the city received the famous image of the Toropetskaya Korsunskaya Mother of God, known for its miraculous power.
The military exploits of Alexander Nevsky
After assuming the throne, the young prince was faced with the task of protecting Russia from the Mongol Horde, which had already ravaged many principalities, and stopping the invasion of the knights of the Livonian Order, who sought not only territorial conquests, but also the spiritual subjugation of Orthodox Christians, converting them to Catholicism.
Nevsky Battle
The prince's first major battle took place shortly after the birth of his firstborn son, Vasily. In the summer of 1240, the Swedish fleet entered the mouth of the Neva River, intending to cut off Novgorod from the Baltic Sea and gain a foothold in Russian lands. Alexander, who was only 19 years old, gathered a detachment of Novgorodians and, together with his squad, advanced to the landing site of the enemy, where the Izhora River flows into the Neva.
The battle took place on July 15, 1240. Alexander, despite the numerical superiority of the Swedes, managed to masterfully coordinate attacks on the enemy's flanks, which led to the complete defeat of the army. The victory in the battle strengthened the prince's authority, at the same time he received his nickname "Nevsky".
According to legend, it was before this battle that the prince uttered his famous words: "God is not in power, but in truth." He said this catch phrase to his squad after leaving the temple, where he prayed before the battle.
The Ice Battle
Less than two years later, on April 5, 1242, another major battle took place — between Russian troops and the knights of the Livonian Order, which went down in history as the Battle of the Ice. Taking advantage of the weakening of Russia after the Mongol invasion, the Crusaders captured Pskov and approached Novgorod.
The Prince proved himself to be a brilliant tactician here too. Knowing about the impenetrable wedge—shaped formation of the heavy cavalry cavalry — the "pig" - he deliberately weakened the center of his army, placing light infantry there. The main forces were secretly stationed on the flanks.
The plan worked perfectly: the knights, having broken through the defense, themselves fell into a trap, falling under crushing blows from the flanks. The remnants of the knights were able to break through and began to flee to the western shore of Lake Peipsi. However, the thin ice could not withstand the heavy armor, and the Livonians fell into the water.
In the same year, a peace treaty was concluded between Novgorod and the Livonian Order, according to which the Livonians renounced their claims to Pskov and Novgorod lands.
Alliance with the Horde
Alexander Nevsky's military triumphs were combined with deeply pragmatic ties with the Golden Horde. The prince clearly understood that the devastated Russia did not have the strength for a military confrontation with the Mughal Tatars. Having chosen the path of diplomacy, he personally traveled to the khan's headquarters four times to avert punitive campaigns, to achieve relief in collecting tribute and to preserve the autonomy of the Russian lands.
This line, which often caused murmurs and disapproval, allowed preserving the foundations of Russian statehood and the Orthodox faith in the long run. The prince completed his earthly journey, returning from another diplomatic mission to the Horde. He died on November 14, 1263 in Gorodets, having taken monastic vows before his death.
Church veneration of Alexander Nevsky
Church veneration of the prince began almost immediately after his death. The official canonization took place in 1547 at the Moscow Church Council under Metropolitan Macarius during the reign of Ivan IV the Terrible.
A new stage in the all-Russian veneration of the saint is associated with the name of Peter I. After the victory in the Northern War and the founding of a new capital on the Neva River, the emperor, who saw Alexander Nevsky as his direct predecessor in the fight against the Swedes, ordered his relics to be moved to St. Petersburg. In 1724, they were placed in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, where they still rest today.
Peter's decree also set the date of commemoration — September 12 (the transfer of the relics). In the modern calendar of the Russian Orthodox Church, several other dates are assigned to the saint, including December 6 (the day of his repose).
In addition, the Order of Alexander Nevsky was established in tsarist Russia, which was intended to reward both military and civilians. He was also present in the award systems of the Soviet Union, and now in modern Russia.
How Alexander Nevsky is depicted on icons
The image of the blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky is widely reflected in icon painting. He is often depicted in two guises on icons.: as a victorious warrior, in armor, a cloak, and with a sword, and as a schemer in monastic garb. Sometimes these images are combined, emphasizing the double feat of the prince: defender of the Fatherland and humble monk.
Turning to the holy prince with prayers, believers ask for strengthening of faith, preservation of family and help in difficult life circumstances, especially when firmness of spirit and making fateful decisions are required.
They also turn to him with prayers for the protection of the Motherland, for giving courage and wisdom to rulers, military leaders and soldiers. Alexander Nevsky is also considered the patron saint of diplomats and the military.
The image of Alexander Nevsky in art
The life and government activities of Alexander Nevsky had a tremendous impact on Russian culture: painting, literature and cinema. In his works of art, the prince was depicted as a defender of the Russian lands, a commander and a wise diplomat.
Sergei Eisenstein's film Alexander Nevsky (1938), featuring Sergei Prokofiev's brilliant music, gained particular popularity. The film, created on the eve of World War II, became a powerful ideological and patriotic manifesto. The phrase "Whoever comes to us with a sword will die by the sword!", put into the prince's mouth by the scriptwriters, went down among the people.
Today, streets, squares and temples in Russia and abroad are named after Alexander Nevsky. His figure continues to be a symbol of devoted service to the Motherland, embodying not only military valor, but also the spiritual truth that he followed all his life.
Church and folk traditions of the holiday
On the church holiday of December 6, solemn divine services, prayer services and processions are held in Orthodox churches throughout the country. On this day, the troparion and kontakion are read, glorifying the holy prince and telling about his earthly feat.
Since the holiday falls during the Christmas Fast, it is celebrated modestly, without noisy festivities. According to popular beliefs, on this day one should be especially friendly, avoid quarrels and conflicts. It was also considered important to show generosity, mercy and to remember the soldiers who fought for the Fatherland.
What you can do on December 6th:
- visit the temple, pray to St. Alexander Nevsky;
- Happy birthday to Alexander's friends;
- to do a good deed or to help those in need;
- spend the day in a family circle for a quiet conversation.
What not to do on December 6th:
- arrange noisy feasts and celebrations: as the Christmas fast continues, the celebration should be moderate, without fast food and alcohol;
- quarrel, sort things out: folk wisdom advises on this day to protect peace in the soul and with others.;
- indulge in despondency and laziness: the day should be devoted to useful deeds and prayer.
Earlier, Izvestia told how St. Nikon of Radonezh became famous.
All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
