"For labors and the Fatherland."
Motto of the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky
May 21 (June 1), 1725, according to the will of Peter I by the highest decree of the Empress Catherine I one of the highest awards of the Russian Empire was established - the Order in the name of the Holy Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky.
Prince-commanderAlexander Nevskiy was highly revered in Rus', he became famous for his victories over the Swedes (Battle of the Neva 1240 ) and the German knights of the Teutonic Order (Battle of the Ice 1242 ). In 1724, by order of Emperor Peter I, the relics of the holy noble prince Alexander Nevsky were solemnly transported from Vladimir to the new capital of the Russian state - St. Petersburg, inAlexander Nevsky Lavra . By decree of Peter I, the memory of the saint began to be celebrated on August 30 (September 10), the day of the conclusion of the victoriousPeace of Nystad with Sweden.
The Order of St. Alexander Nevsky was conceived by Peter I as an exclusively military award, but during his lifetime the emperor did not manage to fulfill his intention.
The first awards of the order were made in connection with the marriage of the daughter of Peter I and Catherine I, Princess Anna Petrovna, with Duke Karl Friedrich of Schleswig-Holstein. Among the eighteen people who became knights of the newly established Russian order on that day, there were not only military personnel, but also civilians. Thus, the Order of Alexander Nevsky became an award granted both for military merits and for public service.
In total, under Catherine I, the Order of Alexander Nevsky was issued to sixty-three persons (not counting the empress herself). In the second quarter and mid-18th century, before the reign Catherine II , the Order of Alexander Nevsky was issued about three hundred times. His cavaliers were: Major General P. A. Rumyantsev , for distinction in the battle of Kunersdorf, Chief General A.P. Hannibal, Lieutenant General V.I. Suvorov, former Governor-General of Prussia during the Seven Years' War, President Academy of Sciences K. G. Razumovsky, one of the foundersMoscow University I. I. Shuvalov , educator and public figure I. I. Betskoy and others.
During the reign of Empress Catherine II, more than 250 people became holders of the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky. Among them is Major General A. V. Suvorov , Infantry General M.I. Kutuzov, Vice Admirals F.F. Ushakov and de Ribas; Privy Councilor, famous historian and collector of ancient manuscripts - A. I. Musin-Pushkin.
Under Paul I, 80 people were awarded the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky. The high award was given to the statesman and public figure, admiral, president of the Russian Academy of Sciences, minister of public education A. S. Shishkov.
The statute of the Order of Alexander Nevsky was published on April 5 (16), 1797. From the same year, the insignia of the order began to be decorated with diamonds, which constituted its highest degree. Such orders were awarded to both Russian and foreign subjects. The statute did not establish a limit on the number of cavaliers.
The cross of the order was covered with red enamel on the front and back sides. On the front side in the middle of the cross there was an image of St. Alexander Nevsky on a horse, and between the ends of the cross there were double-headed eagles under the imperial crown. The order's silver eight-pointed star in the center had a rosette with the monogram “SA” under the princely crown. Around the circle on a red background in gold letters was the motto of the order: “For Labor and the Fatherland.”
Since 1844, when the order was awarded to persons of non-Christian religion, instead of the image of Alexander Nevsky and his monogram, the imperial Russian eagle was depicted on the sign. And from August 1855, two crossed swords were added to the insignia of orders awarded for military exploits.
The order's cross was worn on a red moire ribbon worn over the left shoulder, and the star was worn on the left side of the chest. There was one peculiarity in the rules of wearing: the holders of the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called did not wear the Alexander ribbon at all, and the order cross was worn on a narrow ribbon around the neck.
As a state award, the Order of Alexander Nevsky was abolished in 1917.
During Great Patriotic War in 1942, the Soviet Order of Alexander Nevsky was established, which was awarded to commanders from platoons to divisions inclusive, who showed personal courage and ensured the successful actions of their units. Until the end of the war, 40 thousand 217 officers of the Soviet Army were awarded this order.
Lit: Durov V. A. Russian awards of the 18th - early 20th centuries. M., 1997;Simonov A. A., Zakatov A. N. Imperial Orders of Russia (1698-1997). M., 1997; Shishkov C . S. Awards of Russia. 1698-1917 2003. T. 1.
See also in the Presidential Library:
It was conceived by Peter I the Great as a reward exclusively for military merit in 1724, but due to the illness of the Tsar, the project was carried out after his death. The order was established on May 21 (June 1), 1725 by Empress Catherine I Alekseevna and became the third Russian order after the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called and the female Order of the Great Martyr Catherine. The first awards of the Order of Alexander Nevsky were held on the occasion of the marriage of Grand Duchess Anna Petrovna to Duke Karl Friedrich of Schleswig-Holstein on May 21, 1725. The first holders of the order were eighteen people who were present at the wedding - military leaders, courtiers, foreign guests - and not of the highest rank, at the level of major generals or lieutenant generals. However, in August 1725, the Empress granted the order to herself, as well as to 21 other representatives of the highest nobility, including the Polish King Augustus II the Strong and the Danish King Frederick IV. Subsequently, the order was received by military personnel with the rank of no lower than lieutenant general and court and civilian ranks corresponding in rank.
The order badge, the early descriptions of which have not been preserved, was a red enamel (at first made of red glass) cross with double-headed eagles superimposed between the crossbars and a central enamel medallion with the image of Alexander Nevsky. The order's eight-pointed silver star in the center initially also bore the image of Alexander Nevsky, which was later replaced by the gold Latin monogram of Saint SA, crowned. The order was worn on a red ribbon over the left shoulder. He never had an order chain. If the gentleman also had the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called, then the Order of Alexander Nevsky was worn on a ribbon around the neck.
Before the reign of Catherine II the Great, about 300 people were awarded the Order of Alexander Nevsky. Empress Catherine II granted another 250 orders. Under Paul I Petrovich in 1797, the order insignia received an official statute and description: “A red cross with double-headed eagles in between, and in the middle an image of St. Alexander on a horse. On the other side, in a white field, is his monogram with a princely crown. A silver star, in the middle of which, in a silver field, is the monogram name of St. Alexander Nevsky under a princely crown.” Under Paul I, a commission of six holders of the Order of Alexander Nevsky was established, which was engaged in charitable activities with one-time contributions of 200 rubles from newly awarded individuals. Under Alexander I, the amount of contributions was increased, and in 1892 it was 400 rubles. Twenty-four holders of the Order of Alexander Nevsky, including five clergy, received pensions. The six senior gentlemen were entitled to 700 rubles annually, the rest - 500 rubles.
The Order of Alexander Nevsky was not divided into degrees, but the rules for awarding it became more complicated over time. It could be awarded for civil merits without swords, for military merits swords were added to the badge and star, then the badges could be decorated with diamonds and, finally, diamond swords were added to the diamond badges. At a later time, the motto of the Order “For Labor and the Fatherland” was placed on the star. Order holiday - November 8 (old style). Order Church - Trinity Cathedral in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra in St. Petersburg.
In the period 1812-1814, the Order of Alexander Nevsky was issued 48 times, of which 14 orders were with diamonds. For the Battle of Borodino, the Order of Alexander Nevsky was awarded to generals D.S. Dokhturov, M.A. Miloradovich, A.I. Osterman-Tolstoy, N.N. Raevsky. In the 1860s, for a short time, instead of red enamel, the order's badge was covered with black enamel. In total, during the existence of the order, about three thousand awards were made (in 1916 - 105 awards). As a state award, the Order of Alexander Nevsky was abolished in 1917.
Wilhelm Keibel, St. Petersburg, 1856, 91x91 mm. Silver, enamel. Hallmarks: hallmark “84” on the back of the bottom and pin; small round stamp with the coat of arms of St. Petersburg; nameplate of the Keibel company under the imperial eagle. The image is taken from the Internet catalog of the 2nd auction of AD "Cabinet".
St. Petersburg, late 1850s - early 1860s. Keibel company. Marks on the reverse side in the center of the star: city mark (coat of arms) of St. Petersburg, metal hallmark “84” and name mark “Keibel” (under the screw). Silver, gilding, enamel, 50.63 g. Dimensions 87.7x88.7 mm. Fastening - screw. The image is taken from the Internet catalog 60 of the auction of the Coins and Medals company.
Albert Keibel, active 1882 - 1910, 90 mm, silver, gilding, until 1899. Image provided by Alexander Lunev.
production of the "Eduard" factory, silver, gilding, 90 mm., nameplate - IL so-called "tent" star, 1908 - 1910
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Manufactured by the Eduard factory, after 1910, a star with rounded rays, images taken from the Internet catalog 65 of the Herman Historica auction.
But Emperor Peter I died without having time to fulfill his intention. The first awards of the new order took place already under Empress Catherine I on May 26, 1725, on the wedding day of Princess Anna Petrovna and Duke Karl Friedrich of Schleswig-Holstein (who later established the Order of St. Anne in honor of his wife). Among the 18 cavaliers were not only military personnel, but also civilians. Thus, the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky became an award granted both for military merits and for public service.
Statute of the order
On August 30, 1725, on the anniversary of the transfer of the relics of the Holy Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky, Empress Catherine I bestowed the insignia of his order on herself, which significantly increased the status of this award.
The statute of the order was published on April 5, 1797. From the same year, the insignia of the order began to be decorated with diamonds, which constituted its highest degree. Such orders were awarded to both Russian and foreign subjects. The statute does not establish a maximum number of cavaliers.
According to the Decree of August 5, 1855, “crossed swords passing through the middle of the cross and star were added to the Orders awarded for military exploits.”
The motto of the order: “For Labor and Fatherland.”
The order consists of signs: a golden cross with the image of St. Alexander Nevsky, a red ribbon and an eight-pointed star.
The order was worn: a cross on a 10 cm wide ribbon over the left shoulder, a star on the left side of the chest.
Description of the order
The cross is gold, covered with red enamel on the front and back sides. On the front side in the middle of the cross, in a rosette, on a white field, there is an image of St. Alexander Nevsky on a horse. On the reverse side of the order, in a rosette, on a white field, is the monogram “SA” (St. Alexander) under the Princely Crown. Between the ends of the cross there are double-headed eagles under the imperial crown, with spread wings with which they are connected to each other.
Eight-pointed silver star. In the center of the star, in a rosette, on a white background, is the monogram “SA” under the princely crown. Along the circle on a red background in gold letters is the inscription: “For Labor and the Fatherland.” Below are two laurel branches filled with green enamel.
Among the many state awards of Russia throughout its history, the Order of Alexander Nevsky occupies a special and in many ways unique place. His story is unusual. The order appeared in the eighteenth century, was abolished in 1917, then reintroduced during the Soviet Union ceased to exist in 1991, but the high award, which survived the Russian Empire and the USSR, commemorates the exploits of the heroes of the new Russia. This continuity is deeply symbolic. Knights of the Order of Alexander Nevsky are people who serve the country, the people, and not political regimes. On such people stood, stands and will stand unshakably Holy Rus'.
Who was Alexander Nevsky
Born in 1420, the prince already at the age of 22 became famous for his brilliant victory over the Teutonic knights. The defeat of the dog knights was not a fluke. From a young age, Alexander was distinguished by his righteousness and devotion to his native land. In addition to his military talents, the prince had equally important personal qualities, including high intelligence, courage and an undoubted gift as a diplomat. He also had the opportunity to repel attacks on Rus' after the Battle of the Ice, but he skillfully combined feats of arms, strategic ideas and tactical decisions with the conclusion of foreign policy treaties and alliances that were beneficial for the country, strengthening the weight of Novgorod on the political map of Eurasia.
The worship and veneration of Alexander began almost immediately after his righteous death in 1263. Immediately before his death, he managed to accept the monastic rank and gave his soul to the Lord, bearing the monastic name Alexy.
The fact that this holy man became a symbol of the valor of the sons of Russia during the time of Catherine the Great and remained so until 1917 is not surprising. The story below will tell you what metamorphoses happened to him during the time of his fight against God. The fate of the award today is no less interesting.
How and by whom was the order conceived?
The idea to establish the Order of Alexander Nevsky came from the first Russian Emperor Peter the Great, but the monarch did not have time to implement it. Nevertheless, during the years of his reign, a lot was done to ensure that the heroic image of the savior of the fatherland was established in the popular consciousness. And after his death, the prince continued to inspire the Russian army with his feat. Before the start of the Battle of Kulikovo (1380), the incorruptible relics of Alexander were presented to the defenders of his native land. In 1721, Tsar Peter decided to move them from the city of Vladimir to the new capital. This process was somewhat delayed, and this happened due to the highest degree of veneration for the remains of the prince-liberator. The relics visited Klin, Tver, Vyshny Volochyok, and then, having traveled along Lake Ilmen, they stopped for a long time in Novgorod. There were many pilgrims, but, according to the emperor's decree, the silver shrine was transported to Shlisselburg, where it remained until 1724. Finally, Archbishop Theodosius received an order from Peter I to organize the delivery of the relics to St. Petersburg by the end of August of the same year, which was done. The emperor died before he could establish the Order of Alexander Nevsky. Russia remembered its hero.
Order under Catherine I
Catherine I, the widow of the reformer emperor, treated many of his ideas and initiatives with care. She did not ignore the idea of a new award. It became the newly established Order of Alexander Nevsky. The list of recipients was opened by eighteen people - both military and civilian; in this matter, the empress somewhat distorted the general idea of her late husband, who believed that only those who had crowned themselves with military glory should be knights. The ceremony was timed to coincide with the wedding of Peter's daughter Anna and Duke Karl-Friedrich (the wedding took place in 1725), and this became the occasion for awarding the Order of Alexander Nevsky to four foreign Holsteiners, which was obviously done for diplomatic reasons. At the same time, a statute was formed, according to which representatives of the highest military command, starting with the major general, were given honor. The same applied to the authorities of the state table of ranks. In the same 1725, Catherine I considered it possible to award herself with this order. In general, the empress had reasons for this. During her reign, the total number of gentlemen reached 64 people (including herself).
From Catherine to Catherine
Before the beginning of the “golden age” of Catherine II, approximately three hundred honored figures of the empire received the Order of Alexander Nevsky. Among them are A. S. Pushkin’s grandfather, General-in-Chief Hannibal (known as Peter’s Blackamoor), V. I. Suvorov, the father of the Generalissimo, Academician K. G. Razumovsky, the first curator of Moscow University, and many other outstanding people. Foreign monarchs (including King Frederick II of Prussia, King Augustus III of Poland and Elector of Saxony, Georgian King of Kartli and Princes George and Balkar) considered it a great honor to wear this order. The Ukrainian hetman was also awarded it.
Awarded under Catherine the Great
Two and a half hundred recipients occurred during the reign of Catherine the Great. Time itself, the turbulent events that led to the growth of Russia's power and the growth of its territory, and victorious wars contributed to this. A.V. Suvorov, M.I. Kutuzov, F.F. Ushakov - these names say a lot to every Russian heart. The tradition established by Catherine I was continued, according to which scientists, historians and writers also turned out to be worthy of such an award as the Order of Alexander Nevsky. Russia has always been rich in talented people, and in a sense, their merits contributed to the glory of the country no less than the deeds of naval commanders and generals. Among the recipients we can mention Privy Councilor A.I. Musin-Pushkin, who revealed “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign” to his contemporaries and descendants. Alas, among the cavaliers was the notorious Moscow police chief Arkharov, under whom the arbitrariness of the executive branch flourished. Well, everyone makes mistakes.
Order of Paul
Paul I undertook to change and unify the award system by introducing a single order, distinguished by “classes,” but the innovation did not take root. It so happened that the highest order of the Russian Empire became after him - St. Catherine, in third place - St. Alexander Nevsky. The symbol of the award was a ribbon worn over the shoulder. Color - red, with the state emblem. The order was a silver star with a princely crown and the name of Alexander in the form of a monogram, as well as the circular motto “For Labor and the Fatherland.” Cavaliers were entitled to a special costume, worn on special occasions when visiting the court. Under Paul, only eight dozen recipients appeared, which indicates the high status of the order.
Special conditions of the order
It is interesting that the very process of receiving the order in the Russian Empire was accompanied by monetary relations between the court and the gentlemen. The award was made subject to the payment of a contribution (200, and then 600 rubles), but it also gave the right to an annual income or pension exceeding this amount. This order was maintained until 1917, and the proceeds were used to maintain homes for the disabled and charitable events. The fairness of spending was controlled by the gentlemen themselves through a special council to which the most worthy were elected.
The order had only one degree, but differences were still possible. Swords, diamond signs, and even diamond swords worn along with the main star were considered an additional reward. Special status lines specified what type of uniform or suit the Order of Alexander Nevsky should be worn with, what other awards it can be combined with, and what not.
After the October Revolution, all royal awards were abolished.
Stalinsky "Alexander Nevsky"
1942 The situation at the front is difficult, and at some moments simply critical. A significant part of the European territory of the USSR was captured by the enemy. It's time to remind the people of the glorious past and military valor of their ancestors. Orders and medals of the Second World War, approved in the first war years, symbolize patriotism and historical memory. Mentions of internationalism and the worldwide brotherhood of workers temporarily cease in the press, in newsreels, and in works of fiction. German proletarians under Nazi banners are trampling our land. They need to be defeated and expelled, and only then, perhaps, talk about world revolution.
J.V. Stalin gives the order to develop sketches of orders named after the great commanders - Kutuzov, Suvorov and Alexander Nevsky. The Technical Committee of the Logistics Service is beginning to carry out an important government task. The artistic side of the matter was entrusted to I. S. Telyatnikov, a twenty-six-year-old artist (an architect by training).
Film artist on the order
The task set before Telyatnikov was not easy; stylistically, all three orders had to be presented in a similar manner, which involved depicting in the central part the character after whom the award was named. The artists had portraits of Suvorov and Kutuzov. And whose face will bear the Order of Alexander Nevsky? The USSR was a great cinematic power. In 1938 he made a film about the Battle of the Ice. Igor Sergeevich Telyatnikov considered it possible to use in heraldry the image of the prince created by Spectators are accustomed to the fact that Alexander Nevsky looks exactly like this, although the appearance of the national hero remains unknown to this day due to the lack of lifetime images.
Quality and quantity
The order turned out beautiful. To the proposal of representatives of the Mint to simplify the manufacturing technology (it would have been easier to make it all-stamped), Igor Sergeevich Telyatnikov stubbornly replied that the award should be made of several parts assembled together. J.V. Stalin, after listening to both sides, accepted the author’s position. However, soon, due to the manifestation of mass heroism by the soldiers of the Red Army, it was necessary to somewhat simplify the technology. The main manufacturing materials are silver (925 standard) and enamel. In total, more than forty-two thousand of these awards were issued during the war years. Many WWII orders and medals were produced in smaller quantities, but sometimes more of them have survived. The whole point is that only desperate daredevils who valued the future Victory above their own lives were given the high honor of wearing the image of the defender of the Russian land on their chests. Heroes died, their rewards were not always saved...
Who were the holders of the Order of Alexander Nevsky? The list was opened in November 1942 by the brave commanders of the Red Army, Captain S.P. Tsybulin and Lieutenant I.N. Ruban. It should be noted that it was initially assumed that the order would become a truly national award, and junior military leaders, including regiment commanders, would receive it, but later the circle of worthy ones was expanded to include division commanders and brigade commanders. The main requirement was that their decisions should demonstrate skill, courage and determination, qualities inherent in Prince Alexander. The balance of forces at the moment of a successful offensive also mattered. If the enemy outnumbered our unit rushing into the attack, and was defeated or fled, then this was a reason to present the hero for a reward. Then, according to standard army procedure, the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Council followed. There were not frequent cases when those awarded the Order of Alexander Nevsky were awarded this award again (a little more than a hundred), and it was completely unique when there were three of them on their chests (only three such brave warriors are known).
Thus, the commander of a rifle company, Ivan Mikhailovich Sedoy, together with the unit entrusted to him in June 1944, boldly attacked superior enemy forces, fearlessly approached his positions and destroyed fifty German Nazis with fire. A hundred Soviet soldiers entrenched themselves in the captured fortifications and repelled six counterattacks. The next day, the company crossed the river and went to the enemy’s rear, thereby ensuring the passage of the main forces of the advancing Soviet troops. So company commander Sedoy became a holder of the Order of Alexander Nevsky. But the hero did not stop there. The regiment advanced, and already in July the company of I.M. Sedogo, showing heroism, resisted the battalion of the Nazis, and then turned the enemy into a stampede. The second order was a worthy reward.
During the war years there were situations when units were commanded by sergeants and sergeants. The Order of Alexander Nevsky is an officer's award, but in these situations, ordinary employees also turned out to be worthy of it. The exploits of several women who fought on the fronts are also highly appreciated. The French officers of the Normandie-Niemen squadron, Leon Cafo, Pierre Pouillade and Joseph Risso, each received an order for heroism shown in the sky.
After Alexander Nevsky, no one was awarded for more than ten years. During the Hungarian rebellion, several Soviet officers, acting decisively and courageously, were able to achieve success while leading a small force. They were awarded a high award.
Until 2005, the awarding of orders to those who were unable to receive them during the war continued. Sometimes the heroes didn’t even know about their awards.
New old order
After the collapse of the USSR, Soviet insignia were no longer awarded to military and civilians. They were replaced by new medals and orders of the Russian Federation, which in their appearance expressed the continuity of the Russian State. Apart from the Gold Star of the Hero, only a few awards have retained their name. The appearance of the insignia was also significantly changed; the symbols of the Soviet state gave way to a new (or old) coat of arms, the double-headed eagle. In 2010, the Order of Alexander Nevsky of the Russian Federation was established, preserving the high meaning of its predecessors.
According to the statute, civil servants and other citizens who, through their labor or valor, contributed to the prosperity of their homeland and increased its authority, are worthy of the award. It does not matter whether the efforts were made in the field of military affairs, science, culture, health, education or other activities. The Order of Alexander Nevsky of the Russian Federation can only be awarded to holders of other highest awards of the fatherland. Foreign citizens or nationals can also be awarded it if they have contributed to fruitful interstate cooperation. In addition to the main badge, rosettes and miniature copies are issued, which can be worn on uniforms or civilian clothing on the left side of the chest. The old glorious motto “For Labor and the Fatherland” was also remembered, which is now written on the reverse. If the previously awarded person was awarded the Order of St. Catherine, then the ribbon symbolizing the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky should be worn lower.
New Knights of the Russian Order
The revived Order of the Russian Empire is externally stylized as a cross, there is no image of the actor Cherkasov, but in the round medallion, the central part of the composition, there is an equestrian figure, reminiscent of the warrior prince who became a saint.
The order according to which the Order of Alexander Nevsky is awarded has also been slightly changed. Photos of gentlemen provided by the press are not always accompanied by the publication of relevant decrees, although the fact of the award itself is no secret; any of them is known from publicly available sources. Over the past four years there have been over seventy of them. Among those awarded the high honor are actors (V. S. Lanovoy and V. A. Etush), and Orthodox priests, including the primates of the Russian and Ukrainian Churches, Father Kirill and Father Vladimir, and government figures, and representatives of the business world (for example, O . V. Deripaska). Belarusian President Lukashenko also has the Russian Order of Alexander Nevsky. Those who strengthened the sporting honor of our homeland with their labors are not forgotten, among them is the coach of the synchronized swimming team. State Duma deputies Chaika and Zyuganov also earned the high honor of wearing the image of St. Alexander on their chests.
However, awards do not happen often. This order must be earned by hard work for the benefit of Russia over many years, and sometimes decades.
