The Holy Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky

On the victory banner is the image of the holy Prince Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky, the great Russian commander canonized by the church in 1547 as a saint. Alexander Nevsky has long been revered as the heavenly patron saint of the Russian army, who set an example of Christian faith and wisdom. The reign of Alexander Nevsky dates back to the 13th century, filled with numerous warriors and battles. The commander, who had not lost a single battle, managed to find the strength to resist the Western conquerors in the face of severe trials that hit the Russian lands, and also laid the foundations for relations with the Golden Horde. In the conditions of the ruin of Russia by the Mongol-Tatars, he skillfully eased the burdens of the yoke, saving Russia from complete destruction. "The chosen commander of the Russian land by faith of enemies visible and invisible, victorious" – the words of the akathist speak about the essence of Alexander's victory, which consisted primarily in victory over fear and pride in his own heart. As soon as this became possible, the visible enemy was also hit. During his reign, the prayer warrior Alexander Nevsky proved himself to be a far-sighted and wise statesman. He defended the interests of not only the Novgorod Principality, but also all the northeastern lands, defending the independence of the state. Among his significant battles is the Battle of Nevsky, between the Novgorod army and the Swedish detachment. Historical chronicles tell us that twenty-year-old Prince Alexander decided to act against the enemy on his own, without resorting to the help of his father, Grand Duke Yaroslav Vsevolodovich. According to the accepted custom, the soldiers gathered at St. Sophia's Cathedral and received a blessing from Archbishop Spyridon. Alexander inspired the squad with a speech that has come down to our days: Brothers! God is not in power, but in truth! Let us recall the words of the Psalmist: these are in arms, and these are on horseback, but we will invoke in the name of the Lord our God... Let us not be afraid of the multitude of soldiers, for God is with us. In this battle, the Swedes were defeated, and retreated on the surviving ships, and for the victory and personal bravery in the battle on the Neva River, Alexander Yaroslavich began to be called "Nevsky." On Vladimir Mikhailov's product, the victory banner with the image of St. Alexander Nevsky stands on a monumental pedestal of swords and shields, which depict heraldic images. On one of the shields is the image of a flourishing cross, entwining the entire surface with patterned branches. The other two shields depict rising lions, representing strength, courage and generosity. On the fourth shield, under the equilateral cross, are the words of Alexander Nevsky "God is not in power, but in truth." The majestic pedestal stands on a stone wall, which is encircled by the words of the holy prince: "Whoever comes to us with a sword will perish by the sword! The Russian land stood and will stand on that!" The image is completed by a princely hat, at the head of which is a cross, and on the edges are velvet tassels, giving the image a festive look. On the reverse side of the banner are the words of the Akathist to Saint Alexander Nevsky: "With the Angels and all the saints, stand now before Christ, Blessed Alexandra, praying for those who honor you with love: in remembrance of you, for having loved Christ, you clung to the heavenly spirit, imitating the life of the bodiless, we bless you, crying out: Hail, most honorable pious branch; Hail, the faith of the heirs of the ancestors. Rejoice, imitator of the virtues of the God-loving father; rejoice, successor of the mother's meekness and piety. Rejoice, the leader of your Christ-loving flock to Heaven: rejoice, in the lives of all God's servants, friends, and zealots of piety. Hail, partaker of the holy face of the God-illumined...".