History of Russia: Anniversary of the Battle of the Neva celebrated in Leningrad Oblast

On July 21, 2011 in the town of Nikolskoe (Tosna district, Leningrad Oblast (Region), the place where the armed force of Alexander Nevsky stayed on the eve of the battle with the Swedish army in 1240, started a historical and patriotic holiday aimed to glorify the victory of the Russian arms. It attracted representatives of St. Petersburg diocese, public organizations, local residents, officials from Leningrad Oblast government and administrations of Tosno district and Nikolskoye settlement.

The Bishop Nazary of Vyborg, Abbot of the Holy Trinity Saint Alexander Nevsky Monastery expressed gratitude to the head of the region Valery Serdyukov for the support of “Alexander Nevsky – the Name of Russia” program implemented in Leningrad Oblast. The meeting highlighted its importance for the civil and patriotic upbringing of young people.

This year by the commemorative sign dedicated to 770th anniversary of victory in the Battle of the Neva appeared a worship cross, which has become a spiritual dominant of his place on the right bank of the Tosna River. It is expected that in 2020 - 800th anniversary of Alexander Nevsky - here will rise a cathedral, while a picturesque landscape will become a memorial zone of the military glory.

Participants of the “Russian Squad” military and historical club showed the skill in handling different kinds of weapons of that time - swords, hatchets, maces, and the tactics of fighting squad battles. Each of spectators had a chance to test his skills in shooting with the bow. The pearl of the celebrations has become participation of the Cossacks, who set up their camp not far away. With support of the Committee for Youth Affairs of Leningrad Oblast on this site for the second year in row have been launched field military and patriotic meetings of the Cossacks youth. Meetings have been organized by Leningrad Regional Public Foundation for Promotion of National Unity and Accord “Mirotvorets” (Peacemaker).