Saint Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky was born on May 30, 1220, in the city of Pereyaslavl-Zalessky. His father, Prince Yaroslav, began to reign in Novgorod the Great in 1227. In this difficult time for Russia, St. Alexander became a warrior and defender of the Fatherland. He achieved victory over the Swedes on the Neva River on July 15, 1240, for which he was named Nevsky.
In 1241, he returned the fortress of Koporye, and in 1242, he defeated the Teutonic Order on the ice of Lake Chud. The Holy Prince consistently defended Russia from enemies, including the Tatar yoke, and became the sole Grand Prince of all Russia.
He continued to strengthen peaceful relations with the Golden Horde, which was necessary for the salvation of Russia. In 1263, St. Alexander surrendered his spirit to the Lord in a monastery in Gorodets. His incorrupt relics were found and glorified, and veneration began immediately after his burial.
The church-wide glorification of St. Alexander Nevsky took place in 1547 under Metropolitan Macarius. The name of St. Alexander continues to be significant for defenders of the Fatherland, and his churches are located throughout Russia and beyond its borders.
