Celebration in honor of the transfer of the relics of the blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky (12/09)

(August 30) On September 10, 1721, Peter I, after a long and grueling war with the Swedes, concluded the Peace of Nystad.

It was decided to consecrate this day by transferring the relics of the blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky from Vladimir to the new, northern capital, St. Petersburg, based on the banks of the Neva.

Removed from Vladimir in August 1723, the holy relics were brought to Shlisselburg and remained there until 1724, when on August 30 (old style) they were installed in the Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, where they still rest. And by Decree of September 2, 1724, the celebration was established for August 30 (old style).

The name of the defender of the borders of Russia and the patron saint of soldiers is known far beyond the borders of the country. Holy Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky (in the schema Alexy) died on the way from the Horde to Gorodets, on the Volga, on November 14 (old style) 1263 and a few days later was buried in the cathedral church of the Nativity Monastery in the city of Vladimir (now a monument to the holy prince is erected there; another monument was erected in the city of Pereslavl-Zalessky).

The veneration of the blessed prince began immediately after his burial. The incorruptible relics of the blessed prince were discovered, apparently, before the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380, and at the same time a local celebration was established. Russian commanders resorted to the prayers of the holy prince, famous for his defense of the Fatherland, in all subsequent times.

Today, the Day of Transfer of the Relics of the Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky is celebrated by the Russian Orthodox Church according to the new style on September 12.

Numerous churches outside Russia are dedicated to St. Alexander Nevsky. The most famous of them: the Patriarchal Cathedral in Sofia, the Cathedral in Tallinn, the temple in Tbilisi. These churches — are the key to friendship between the Russian liberating people and fraternal peoples.

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