The Suvorovsky Cross

This small piece reflects a miniature memorial located in Switzerland in honor of the valor of the Russian army. The twelve-meter monument commemorates the events of 1799, when, under the leadership of Commander Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov, the Russian army heroically marched through the Saint-Gotthard mountain pass, escaping from the encirclement of the enemy. For his successful combat operations in mountainous conditions, Suvorov was awarded the highest military rank of generalissimo of all Russian troops, and the campaign, unparalleled in difficulty and heroism, became an integral part of the historical memory of the peoples of Russia and Switzerland. Russian Russian troops in Switzerland In the middle of August 1799, Alexander Suvorov received an order from Emperor Paul I to send Russian troops to Switzerland to join the Russian corps of Alexander Rimsky-Korsakov stationed there. On September 21, 1799, Suvorov's troops embarked on a Swiss campaign. Suvorov chose the shortest, though most difficult path - through the mountain passes. The French occupied all strategically important positions in the Alps, and the fighting was difficult, but the Russian army fulfilled its task with honor. Her Swiss campaign became known all over the world. The transition ended on October 8, 1799. At the end of the 19th century, on the initiative of Prince Golitsyn, an image of the Precious and Life-giving Cross of the Lord was carved into an alpine rock. Historian and philanthropist Prince Golitsyn toured all the memorable places of the Suvorov campaign in search of a place to erect a monument. The choice fell on Saint-Gotthard, where, according to the design of the Swiss architect Chokke, the construction of the majestic cross of worship was completed in 1898. The installation of religious crosses dates back to the most ancient traditions, embodying open chapels and proclaiming Christian preaching to people. The memorial, created in Switzerland, is filled with symbolism — it is based on a combination of a cross and a circle, which means the light of Christ's Resurrection and victory over death. At the core of the monolithic base is a Christian symbol – a christogram of the Greek letters X (chi) and R (rho), symbolizing the name of Christ. In the early centuries of Christianity, the Christogram served as the main emblem of the new religion. In ancient Rome, the christogram was perceived as a personal sign of the emperor, becoming a symbol of triumph and immortality. Dedication at the foot of the cross: "To the valiant companions of Generalissimo Field Marshal Count Suvorov-Rymniksky, Prince of Italy, who died while crossing the Alps in 1799." Making up a multi-part composition, the central cross can not only be an interior product, but also be worn. On the reverse side of the garment is a prayer to the Holy Cross of the Lord: "May God rise again, and His enemies be scattered, and may those who hate Him flee from His presence. As smoke disappears, so may they disappear; as wax melts from the face of fire, so may demons perish from the face of those who love God and make the sign of the cross, and in joy say: hail, Most Honorable and Life-giving Cross of the Lord..."