Saint Alexander Nevsky | Large XLG Silver and Gold foiled icon on wood | Size: 15 7/8" x 13 1/8"

St. Alexander Nevsky, the Martyr and Grand Prince of Vladimir and Novgorod (+November 14, 1263)

During the thirteenth century when the Russian lands were under assault from both the East and West, St. Alexander’s military victories and diplomacy kept northern Russia free of foreign domination. 

St. Alexander, the fourth son of Grand Prince Yaroslav II Vsevolodovich of Vladimir, was born in Pereslavl-Zalessky on May 30, 1219.  His mother was Theodosia Igorevna, a Ryazan princess.   

His childhood was spent at Pereslavl-Zalessk, where his father was prince. The princely tonsure of the St. Alexander (a ceremony of initiation to be soldier) was done in the Savior Transfiguration Cathedral of Pereslavl.  St. Alexander received his first blessing for military service in the name of God, to defend the Russian Church and the Russian Land.  From his early years St. Alexander went along on his father’s campaigns.