Presidential Library tells about transfer of relics of Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky to St. Petersburg

On September 12, 2024, the 300th anniversary of the transfer of the relics of Saint Prince Alexander Nevsky from the Rozhdestvensky Monastery in Vladimir to Saint Petersburg is celebrated.

The Presidential Library's portal offers an electronic collection called Alexander Nevsky (1221-1263) that includes digitized rare publications dedicated to his life and the renowned defender of Russian lands.

Alexander Nevsky is the patron saint of Saint Petersburg, and in 1724 his incorruptible relics were brought to the new capital by order of Peter the Great. This date, August 30 (September 12 according to the new calendar), was not chosen at random. The author of the 1852 publication Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky notes that it was the very day when the glorious peace between Russia and Sweden was concluded in 1721.

Details of the preparations for the significant event for the city and the country can be found in the historical and biographical essay Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky, Grand Duke of Vladimir and All Russia from 1871. On August 24, 17 (11), a procession departed from the Nativity Monastery in Vladimir and reached Moscow on August 17.

Then, the route continued to the shores of Lake Ilmen. In Veliky Novgorod, where St. Alexander's ancient patrimony is located, the holy relics were placed in a richly decorated boat. The boat continued down the Volkhov River, symbolizing St. Alexander sailing along this river with his squad. This event was described in the Life of the Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky.

On August 30 (September 12), 1724, the relics arrived in the vicinity of St. Petersburg and were greeted with great honor. Peter met the holy relics at the mouth of the Izhora River and placed them on a magnificent boat, taking the helm himself and placing the nobility on the oars. The new capital celebrated the arrival of the relics for three days, and ever since, every year on August 30, they commemorate this event with a special celebration. From that day on, St. Petersburg had its heavenly protector, the holy Prince Alexander Nevsky.