The Order of Alexander Nevsky is one of the highest awards of the Russian Federation. It was first created in 1725 by decree of Catherine I. And almost 2 centuries later, in 1917, this order was abolished. For the second time, he became a state award in 1942 during the Great Patriotic War.
After the collapse of the USSR, the Order of Alexander Nevsky, although it was not abolished, was not awarded. And in 2010 he was again officially included in the list of state awards.
Who was awarded the Order of Alexander Nevsky until October 1917
The official name of the award was from 1725 to 1917. sounded like this: "The Imperial Order of the Holy Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky." It was a gold cross covered with red enamel, at which the upper ends widened. Between them were placed golden figures of two-headed eagles, and in the center of the cross was a round medallion depicting Alexander Nevsky.
The Order of Alexander Nevsky became the third official award of the Russian Empire, after the Orders of St. Andrew and St. Catherine.
By status, the order could be awarded to military personnel and high-ranking civilians for special services to the state. For example, during the Patriotic War of 1812 - 1814. it was awarded 48 times, including 4 generals for the Battle of Borodino.
History of the Order of Alexander Nevsky after the October Revolution
During the Great Patriotic War, new state awards were needed to celebrate the massive heroism of Soviet soldiers and officers. Among these new awards was the Order of Alexander Nevsky. It was established on July 29, 1942. The order was intended to reward the commanding staff of the Red Army, from platoon commander to division commander, inclusive, who showed courage and initiative in battle, as a result of which significant damage was inflicted on the enemy with minimal personal losses.
The award status of the order implied the Battle of the Neva in 1240, when the 20-year-old Prince Alexander defeated the Swedes, inflicting a sudden blow on them.
The order was made in the form of a five-pointed star with dark red rays against the background of a regular decagon. In the center of the order was a circle with a profile image of Prince Alexander Nevsky in a helmet and chain mail.
The modern order of Alexander Nevsky is a four-pointed dark red cross, between the ends of which there are two-headed eagles. This award can be awarded to citizens of Russia who already have other orders, for special services in strengthening the country's defense capability, achievements in science, culture, and health care. The order can also be awarded to foreigners who have made a great contribution to the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with the Russian Federation.
