This prince was born from a merciful father. The legend of the life of Alexander Nevsky. Battle of Lake Peipus. Liberation of Pskov

THE LIFE OF ALEXANDER NEVSKY

The Tale of the Life and Courage of the Blessed and Grand Duke Alexander

AT in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

I, miserable and sinful, narrow-minded, dare to describe the life of the holy prince Alexander, son of Yaroslav, grandson of Vsevolodov. Since I heard from my fathers and myself was a witness to his mature age, I was glad to tell about his holy, and honest, and glorious life. But as the tributary said: “Wisdom will not enter into an evil soul: for it abides in lofty places, it stands in the middle of roads, it stops at the gates of noble people.” Although I am simple in mind, I will nevertheless begin by praying to the Holy Mother of God and trusting in the help of the holy Prince Alexander.

This prince Alexander was born from a merciful and philanthropic father, and most of all, meek, the great prince Yaroslav and from mother Theodosia. As Isaiah the prophet said: “Thus says the Lord: “I set princes, they are sacred, and I lead them.” And verily, his reign was not without God's command.

One day he prepared to besiege the city of Joatapata, and the townspeople came out and defeated his army. And Vespasian alone remained, and turned those who opposed him to the city, to the city gates, and laughed at his retinue, and reproached her, saying: "They left me alone." So did Prince Alexander - he won, but was invincible.

That is why one of the eminent men of the Western country, from those who call themselves servants of God, came, wanting to see the maturity of his strength, as in ancient times the Queen of Sheba came to Solomon, wanting to listen to his wise speeches. So this one, by the name of Andreash, having seen Prince Alexander, returned to his people and said: “I went through countries, peoples and did not see such a king among kings, nor a prince among princes.”

Hearing about such valor of Prince Alexander, the king of the country of Rome from the northern land thought to himself: "I will go and conquer the land of Alexandrov." And he gathered a great force, and filled many ships with his regiments, moved with a huge army, puffing with the spirit of war. And he came to the Neva, intoxicated with madness, and sent his ambassadors, puffed up, to Novgorod to Prince Alexander, saying: "If you can, defend yourself, for I am already here and ruining your land."

Alexander, having heard such words, inflamed his heart, and entered the church of Hagia Sophia, and, falling on his knees in front of the altar, began to pray with tears: “Glorious God, righteous, great God, strong, eternal God, who created heaven and earth and established limits to the peoples, you commanded to live without transgressing the borders of others. And, remembering the words of the prophet, he said: “Judge, Lord, those who offend me and protect from those who fight with me, take up arms and a shield and stand to help me.”

And, having finished his prayer, he stood up and bowed to the archbishop. The archbishop was then Spiridon, he blessed him and released him. The prince, leaving the church, dried up his tears and began to encourage his squad, saying: “God is not in power, but in truth. Let us remember the Songwriter, who said: “Some with weapons, and others on horses, but we will call on the name of the Lord our God; they, defeated, fell, but we stood firm and stand upright. Having said this, he went to the enemies with a small squad, not waiting for his large army, but trusting in the Holy Trinity.

It was sad to hear that his father, the prince great Yaroslav, did not know about the invasion of his son, dear Alexander, and he had no time to send a message to his father, for the enemies were already approaching. Therefore, many Novgorodians did not have time to join, as the prince hurried to speak. And he came out against them on Sunday, the fifteenth of July, having great faith in the holy martyrs Boris and Gleb.

And there was one man, the elder of the land of Izhora, named Pelugiy, he was entrusted with night guards at sea. He was baptized and lived among his kind, the pagans, but his name was named Philip in holy baptism, and he lived pleasingly, observing fasting on Wednesday and Friday, and therefore God honored him with seeing a wonderful vision on that day. Let's talk briefly.

The rowers sat as if clothed in darkness. Boris said: “Brother Gleb, they led us to row, let us help our relative, Prince Alexander.” Seeing such a vision and hearing these words of the martyrs, Pelugius stood trembling until the nasad disappeared from his eyes.

Shortly after this, Alexander came, and Pelugius, joyfully meeting Prince Alexander, told him alone about the vision. The prince said to him: "Don't tell this to anyone."

After that, Alexander hurried to attack the enemies at the sixth hour of the day, and there was a great slaughter with the Romans, and the prince killed an innumerable multitude, and left the mark of his sharp spear on the face of the king himself. Six brave men, like him, from Alexander's regiment showed themselves here.

The first is by the name of Gavrilo Oleksich. He attacked the auger and, seeing the prince dragged under the arms, rode up to the ship along the gangway along which the prince ran; those pursued by him seized Gavrila Oleksich and threw him off the gangway along with his horse. But by the grace of God, he emerged from the water unharmed, and again attacked them, and fought with the governor himself in the midst of their army.

The second, named Sbyslav Yakunovich, is a Novgorodian. This one attacked their army many times and fought with one ax, having no fear in his soul; and many fell by his hand, and marveled at his strength and courage.

The third - Yakov, a native of Polotsk, was a hunter with the prince. This one attacked the regiment with a sword, and the prince praised him.

The fourth is a Novgorodian named Mesha. This footman with his retinue attacked the ships and sank three ships.

The fifth is from the younger squad, named Sava. This one burst into a large golden-domed royal tent and cut down a tent post. The regiments of Alexandrov, seeing the fall of the tent, rejoiced.

The sixth is from the servants of Alexander, named Ratmir. This one fought on foot, and many enemies surrounded him. He fell from many wounds and died like that.

I heard all this from my master, Grand Duke Alexander, and from others who participated in this battle at that time. And at that time there was a marvelous miracle, as in the days of old under Hezekiah the king. When Senacherib, the king of Assyria, came to Jerusalem, wanting to conquer the holy city of Jerusalem, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and killed one hundred and eighty-five thousand of the Assyrian army, and, rising in the morning, they found only dead corpses.

So it was after the victory of Alexandrova: when he defeated the king, on the opposite side of the Izhora River, where Alexandrov's regiments could not pass, a myriad of those killed by the angel of the Lord were found here. Those who remained turned to flight, and the corpses of their dead soldiers were thrown into the ships and sunk them in the sea. Prince Alexander returned with victory, praising and glorifying the name of his Creator.

In the second year after the return with the victory of Prince Alexander, they again came from the Western country and built a city on the land of Alexandrov. Prince Alexander soon went and destroyed their city to the ground, and hanged some of them themselves, took others with him, and, having pardoned others, let them go, for he was immensely merciful. After the victory of Alexandrov, when he defeated the king, in the third year, in winter, he went with great strength to the German land, so that they would not brag, saying: "We will conquer the Slavic people."

And the city of Pskov was already taken by them and the German governors were imprisoned. He soon expelled them from Pskov and killed the Germans, but he tied up others and freed the city from the godless Germans, and fought and burned their land and took countless prisoners, and killed others. The Germans, insolent, united and said: "Let's go and defeat Alexander, and capture him."

So the men of Alexander were filled with the spirit of war, because their hearts were like the hearts of lions, and exclaimed: “O our glorious prince! Now the time has come for us to lay down our heads for you.” Prince Alexander raised his hands to heaven and said: “Judge me, God, judge my feud with the unrighteous people and help me, Lord, as in ancient times he helped Moses defeat Amalek and our great-grandfather Yaroslav the accursed Svyatopolk.”

It was then Saturday, and when the sun rose, the opponents came together. And there was a fierce slaughter, and there was a crash from breaking spears and a ringing from the blows of swords, and it seemed that a frozen lake moved, and no ice was visible, for it was covered with blood.

And this I heard from an eyewitness who told me that he saw the army of God in the air, which came to the aid of Alexander. And so he defeated the enemies with the help of God, and they fled, while Alexander cut them down, driving them as if through the air, and there was nowhere for them to hide.

Here God glorified Alexander before all the regiments, like Joshua at Jericho. And the one who said: “Let's capture Alexander,” God gave into the hands of Alexander. And there has never been an opponent worthy of him in battle. And Prince Alexander returned with a glorious victory, and there were many prisoners in his army, and those who call themselves "God's knights" were led barefoot near the horses.

And when the prince approached the city of Pskov, the abbots, and the priests, and all the people met him in front of the city with crosses, giving praise to God and glorifying the lord prince Alexander, singing a song to him: “You, Lord, helped meek David to defeat the foreigners and the faithful prince with our weapons of faith, free the city of Pskov from foreign pagans by the hand of Alexander.

And Alexander said: “O ignorant people of Pskov! If you forget this before the great-grandchildren of Alexander, then you will be like the Jews, whom the Lord fed in the wilderness with manna from heaven and baked quails, but they forgot all this and their God, who delivered them from Egyptian captivity.

And his name became famous in all countries, from the sea of Khonuzh and to the mountains of Ararat, and on the other side of the Varangian sea and to the great Rome.

At the same time, the Lithuanian people gained strength and began to plunder the possessions of Alexandrov. He went out and beat them. Once he happened to go out to the enemy, and he defeated seven regiments in one trip and killed many of the princes, and took others prisoner, while his servants, mocking, tied them to the tails of their horses. And from that time they began to fear his name.

At the same time was in the eastern country strong king to which God subdued many nations from the east to the west. That king, having heard about such glory and courage of Alexander, sent ambassadors to him and said: “Alexander, you know that God has subdued many nations to me. Well, are you the only one who doesn't want to submit to me? But if you want to save your land, then come quickly to me and you will see the glory of my kingdom.

After the death of his father, Prince Alexander came to Vladimir in great power. And his arrival was terrible, and the news of him rushed to the mouth of the Volga. And the wives of Moab began to frighten their children, saying, “Here comes Alexander!”

Prince Alexander decided to go to the tsar in the Horde, and Bishop Kirill blessed him. And King Batu saw him, and was amazed, and said to his nobles: “They told me the truth that there is no prince like him.” Honoring him with dignity, he released Alexander.

After that, Tsar Batu was angry with his younger brother Andrei and sent his governor Nevryuy to ruin the land of Suzdal. After the ruin of Nevryuem, the land of Suzdal, the prince great Alexander he erected churches, he rebuilt cities, he gathered the dispersed people into their houses.

Isaiah the prophet said about such people: "A prince is good in countries - quiet, affable, meek, humble - and in this way is like God." Not seduced by wealth, not forgetting the blood of the righteous, orphans and widows, he judges in truth, is merciful, kind to his household and hospitable to those who come from foreign countries. God also helps such people, for God does not love angels, but people, in his generosity he generously bestows and shows his mercy in the world.

And God filled the land of Alexander with riches and glory, and lengthened his days.

One day, ambassadors from the pope from great Rome came to him with the following words: “Our dad says this: “We heard that you are a worthy and glorious prince and your land is great. That is why they sent two of the smartest of the twelve cardinals to you - Agaldad and Repair, so that you would listen to their speeches about the law of God.

Prince Alexander, having thought with his wise men, wrote him the following answer: “From Adam to the flood, from the flood to the division of peoples, from the mixing of peoples to the beginning of Abraham, from Abraham to the passage of the Israelites through the sea, from the exodus of the sons of Israel to the death of King David , from the beginning of the reign of Solomon to Augustus and until the Nativity of Christ, from the Nativity of Christ and to his crucifixion and Resurrection, from his Resurrection and Ascension to heaven and to the reign of Konstantinov, from the beginning of the reign of Konstantinov to the first council and the seventh - we know all this well but we will not accept teachings from you.” They also returned home.

And the days of his life multiplied in great glory, for he loved priests, and monks, and the poor, and he honored metropolitans and bishops and listened to them, as to Christ himself.

In those days there was great violence from the infidels, they persecuted Christians, forcing them to fight on their side. The great prince Alexander went to the king to pray for his people from this misfortune.

And he sent his son Dmitry to the western countries, and sent all his regiments with him, and his relatives of the household, saying to them: "Serve my son, as myself, with your whole life." And Prince Dmitry went in great strength, and conquered the German land, and took the city of Yuryev, and returned to Novgorod with many prisoners and with great booty.

His father is Grand Duke Alexander returned from the Horde from the king, and reached Nizhny Novgorod, and there he fell ill, and, having arrived in Gorodets, fell ill. Woe to you, poor man! How can you describe the death of your master!

How will your apples not fall out along with tears! How will your heart not be torn out by the roots! For a man can leave a father, but a good master cannot be left; if it were possible, then I would go down into the coffin with him.

Having worked hard for God, he left the earthly kingdom and became a monk, for he had an immeasurable desire to take on an angelic image. God also vouchsafed him to accept a greater rank - the schema. And so, in peace with God, he gave up his spirit on the fourteenth day of the month of November, in memory of the holy Apostle Philip.

Metropolitan Kirill said: “My children, know that the sun of the land of Suzdal has already set!” Priests and deacons, Chernorizians, poor and rich, and all people exclaimed: “We are already perishing!”

The holy body of Alexander was carried to the city of Vladimir. the metropolitan, princes and boyars and all the people, small and large, met him in Bogolyubovo with candles and censers. People crowded, trying to touch his holy body on an honest bed. There was a cry, and a groan, and a cry, which had never been, even the earth trembled. His body was laid in the Church of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God, in the great archimandrite, on the 24th day of November, in memory of the holy father Amphilochius.

And confusion seized them, and they scarcely departed from his tomb. This was announced to everyone by Metropolitan and Economist Sevastyan. Who would not be surprised at this miracle, because his body was dead and they carried him from distant lands in the winter. And so God glorified his saint.

Library “Chalcedon”

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Legend of the Life of Alexander Nevsky

The Tale of the Life and Courage of the Blessed and Grand Duke Alexander

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

“Wisdom will not enter into an evil soul: for it abides in high places, it stands in the midst of roads, it stops at the gates of noble people.” Although I am simple in mind, I will nevertheless begin by praying to the Holy Mother of God and trusting in the help of the holy Prince Alexander.

This prince Alexander was born from a merciful and philanthropic father, and most of all - meek, the great prince Yaroslav and from mother Theodosia. As Isaiah the prophet said: “Thus says the Lord: “I set princes, they are sacred, and I lead them.” And truly - not without God's command was his reign.

, whom the Egyptian king appointed as the second king in Egypt, and his strength was a part of the strength of Samson , and God gave him the wisdom of Solomon, and his courage - like that of the Roman king Vespasian who subdued all the land of Judah. One day he prepared for the siege of the city Joatapates, and the townspeople went out and crushed his army. And Vespasian alone remained, and turned those who opposed him to the city, to the city gates, and laughed at his retinue, and reproached her, saying: “They left me alone." So did Prince Alexander - he won, but was invincible.

That is why one of the eminent men of the Western country, of those who call themselves the servants of God

, came, wanting to see the maturity of his strength, as in ancient times the Queen of Sheba came to Solomon, wanting to listen to his wise speeches. So this one, by the name of Andreas , having seen Prince Alexander, he returned to his people and said: “I went through countries, peoples and did not see such a king among kings, nor a prince among princes.”

Hearing about such valor of Prince Alexander, the king of the country of Rome from the northern land thought to himself: “I will go and conquer the land of Alexandrov.” And he gathered a great force, and filled many ships with his regiments, moved with a huge army, puffing with the spirit of war. And he came to the Neva, intoxicated with madness, and sent his messengers, puffed up, to Novgorod to the prince

Alexander, saying: "If you can, defend yourself, for I am already here and I am destroying your land."

Alexander, having heard such words, flared up in his heart, and entered the church of St. Sophia

, and, falling on his knees in front of the altar, he began to pray with tears: “Glorious, righteous God, great, strong God, eternal God, who created heaven and earth and established boundaries for peoples, You commanded to live without transgressing other people’s borders.” And, remembering the words of the prophet, he said: “Judge, Lord, those who offend me and protect from those who fight with me, take up arms and a shield and stand to help me.”

, who said: “Some with weapons, and others on horses, but we will call on the name of the Lord our God; they, defeated, fell, but we stood firm and stand upright.” Having said this, he went to the enemies with a small squad, not waiting for his large army, but trusting in the Holy Trinity.

It was sad to hear that his father, the great prince Yaroslav, did not know about the invasion of his son, dear Alexander, and he had no time to send a message to his father, for the enemies were already approaching. Therefore, many Novgorodians did not have time to join, as the prince hurried to speak. And he came out against them on Sunday the fifteenth of July, having great faith in the saints

Martyrs Boris and Gleb.

God see a wonderful vision that day. Let's talk briefly.

Having learned about the strength of the enemy, he went out to meet Prince Alexander to tell him about the camps of the enemies. He stood by the sea, watching both ways, and spent the whole night without sleep. When the sun began to rise, he heard a strong noise on the sea and saw one pier floating on the sea, and the holy martyrs Boris and Gleb in red robes standing in the middle of the pier, holding their hands on each other's shoulders. The rowers sat as if clothed in darkness. Boris said: “Brother Gleb, let us row, let us help our relative, Prince Alexander.” Seeing such a vision and hearing these words of the martyrs, Pelugius stood trembling until the nasad disappeared from his eyes.

Soon after this, Alexander came, and Pelugiy joyfully met Prince Alexander and told him alone about the vision. The prince said to him: "Don't tell this to anyone."

Six brave men, like him, from Alexander's regiment showed themselves here.

The first is by the name of Gavrilo Oleksich. He attacked the auger

and, seeing the prince dragged by the arms, he rode up to the ship along the gangway along which they ran with the prince; those pursued by him seized Gavrila Oleksich and threw him off the gangway along with his horse. But by the grace of God, he emerged from the water unharmed, and again attacked them, and fought with the governor himself in the midst of their army.

The second, but named after Sbyslav Yakunovich, is a Novgorodian. This one attacked their army many times and fought with one ax, having no fear in his soul; and many fell

from his hand, and marveled at his strength and courage.

The third - Yakov, a native of Polotsk, was a hunter with the prince. This one attacked the regiment with a sword, and the prince praised him.

The fourth is a Novgorodian named Mesha. This footman with his retinue attacked the ships and sank three ships.

The fifth is from the younger squad, named Sava. This one burst into a large golden-domed royal tent and cut down a tent post. The regiments of Alexandrov, seeing the fall of the tent, rejoiced.

The sixth is from the servants of Alexander, named Ratmir. This one fought on foot, and many enemies surrounded him. He fell from many wounds and died like that.

I heard all this from my master, Grand Duke Alexander, and from others who participated in this battle at that time.

And at that time there was a marvelous miracle, as in the days of old under Hezekiah the king

. When Senacherib, the king of Assyria, came to Jerusalem, wishing to subdue the holy city of Jerusalem, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and killed one hundred and eighty-five thousand of the Assyrian army, and, rising in the morning, they found only dead corpses. So it was after the victory of Alexandrova: when he defeated the king, on the opposite side of the Izhora River , where Alexandrov's regiments could not pass, here they found a myriad of those killed by the Angel of the Lord. Those who remained turned to flight, and the corpses of their dead soldiers were thrown into the ships and sunk them in the sea. Prince Alexander returned with. victory, praising and glorifying the name of their Creator.

In the second year after the return of Prince Alexander with a victory, they again came from the Western country and built a city on the land of Alexandrov.

. Prince Alexander soon went and destroyed their city to the ground, and hanged some of them themselves, took others with him, and, having pardoned others, let him go, for he was immensely merciful.

After the victory of Alexandrov, when he defeated the king, in the third year, in winter, he went with great strength to the German land, so that they would not brag, saying: "We will conquer the Slavic people."

And they already took the city of Pskov

and the German governors were imprisoned. He soon expelled them from Pskov and killed the Germans, but he tied up others and freed the city from the godless Germans, and fought and burned their land and took countless prisoners, and killed others. The Germans, daring, united and said: “Let's go and defeat Alexander and capture him.”

! Now the time has come for us to lay down our heads for you.” Prince Alexander raised his hands to heaven and said: “Judge me, God, judge my feud with the unrighteous people and help me, Lord, as in ancient times he helped Moses defeat Amalek and our great-grandfather Yaroslav the accursed Svyatopolk.

It was then Saturday, and when the sun rose, the opponents came together. And there was a fierce battle

, and there was a crash from breaking spears and a ringing from the blows of swords, and it seemed that a frozen lake moved, and no ice was visible, for it was covered with blood.

. And the one who said: “Let's capture Alexander,” God gave into the hands of Alexander. And there has never been an opponent worthy of him in battle. And Prince Alexander returned with a glorious victory, and there were many prisoners in his army, and those who call themselves "God's knights" were led barefoot near the horses.

And when the prince approached the city of Pskov, the abbots, and the priests, and all the people met him in front of the city with crosses, giving praise to God and glorifying the lord prince Alexander, singing a song to him: “You, Lord, helped meek David defeat the foreigners and the faithful prince with our weapons of faith, free the city of Pskov from foreign pagans by the hand of Alexander.”

And his name became famous in all countries, from the sea of Khonuz

and to the mountains of Ararat, and on the other side of the Varangian Sea, and to the great Rome.

At the same time there was a strong king in the eastern country

to which God subdued many nations from the east to the west. That king, having heard about such glory and courage of Alexander, sent ambassadors to him and said: “Alexander, you know that God has subdued many nations to me. What - you alone do not want to submit to me? But if you want to save your land, then come quickly to me and you will see the glory of my kingdom.”

After the death of his father, Prince Alexander came to Vladimir in great power. And his arrival was terrible, and the news of him rushed to the mouth of the Volga. And the wives of Moab

began to frighten their children, saying: “Here comes Alexander!”

After that, Tsar Batu was angry with his younger brother Andrei and sent his governor Nevryuy

destroy the land of Suzdal. After the devastation of Nevryuy land of Suzdal, the great prince Alexander erected churches, rebuilt cities, gathered the dispersed people into their houses. Isaiah the prophet said about such people: “The prince is good in the countries - quiet, affable, meek, humble - and in that he is like God.” Not seduced by wealth, not forgetting the blood of the righteous, orphans and widows, he judges in truth, is merciful, kind to his household and hospitable to those who come from foreign countries. God also helps such people, for God does not love angels, but people, in His generosity He generously bestows and manifests His mercy in the world.

God filled the land of Alexander with wealth and glory, and God lengthened his days.

One day messengers came to him from the Pope

from great Rome with these words: “Our Pope says this: “We heard that you are a worthy and glorious prince and your land is great. That is why they sent to you two of the most intelligent of the twelve cardinals - Agaldad and Gemont, so that you would listen to their speeches about the law of God.

Prince Alexander, having thought with his wise men, wrote him the following answer: “From Adam to the flood, from the flood to the division of peoples, from the confusion of peoples to the beginning of Abraham

, from Abraham to the passage of the Israelites through the sea, from the exodus of the sons of Israel to the death of David the king, from the beginning of the reign of Solomon to Augustus and until the Nativity of Christ, from the Nativity of Christ and until His crucifixion and Resurrection, from His Resurrection and Ascension into heaven and until the reign of Constantine, from the beginning of the reign of Constantine to the First Council and the Seventh “We are well aware of all this, but we will not accept teachings from you.” They also returned home.

And the days of his life were multiplied in great glory, for he loved priests, and monks, and the poor, and honored metropolitans and bishops and listened to them as to Christ Himself.

And he sent his son Dmitry to the Western countries, and sent all his regiments with him, and his relatives of the household, saying to them: “Serve my son, as myself, with your whole life.” And Prince Dmitry went in great strength, and conquered the German land, and took the city of Yuryev

, returned to Novgorod with many prisoners and with great booty.

His father, Grand Duke Alexander, returned from the Horde from the tsar, and reached Nizhny Novgorod, and there he fell ill, and, having arrived in Gorodets, fell ill. Woe to you, poor man! How can you describe the death of your master! How will your apples not fall out along with tears! How will your heart not be torn out by the roots! For a man can leave a father, but a good master cannot be left; if it were possible, then I would go down into the coffin with him.

Having worked hard for God, he left the earthly kingdom and became a monk, for he had an immeasurable desire to take on an angelic image. God also vouchsafed him to accept a greater rank - a schema. And so, in peace with God, he gave up his spirit on the fourteenth day of the month of November, in memory of the holy Apostle Philip.

The twisted body of Alexander was carried to the city of Vladimir. The Metropolitan, princes and boyars, and all the people, small and large, met him in Bogolyubovo with candles and censers. People crowded, trying to touch his holy body on an honest bed. There was a cry, and a groan, and a cry, which had never been, even the earth trembled. His body was laid

in the Church of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God, in the great archimandrite, on the 24th day of November, in memory of the holy father Amphilochius.

,as if alive, stretched out his hand and accepted the letter from the Metropolitan's hand. And confusion seized them, and they scarcely departed from his tomb. This was announced to everyone by Metropolitan and Economist Sevastyan. Who will not be surprised at this miracle, because his body was dead and they carried him from distant lands in winter.

And so God glorified His saint.

Translation by V. I. Okhotnikova

Alexander Yaroslavich, nicknamed Nevsky after the battle with the Swedes on the Neva in 1240, was one of the most

famous princes 13th century: he led successful wars on the western and northwestern borders of Russia against the aggressive campaigns of the Swedes Livonian Order crusader knights, pursued a policy of strengthening the unity of the principalities northeastern Russia, managed to achieve in the Horde the liberation of the Russians from participating in the hostilities of the Horde hordes. The biography of Alexander, combining elements of the hagiographic (hagiographic) genre and princely military biography, was written no later than the 80s. XIII century in the monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin in Vladimir, where the prince was buried, who died on the way from the Horde to Vladimir. The author of the "Life" was a scribe from the entourage of Metropolitan Kirill of Vladimir, who came from Galicia- Volyn Rus in 1246. (Researchers suggest that he was one of the compilers of the Galicia-Volyn Chronicle.) Therefore, the “Life of Alexander Nevsky” reflected the book and literary traditions of the southwestern and north- Eastern Russia. The author, as he himself says about this, personally knew Alexander Nevsky and was a witness to his deeds, apparently, therefore, the narrative is distinguished by a special lyrical tone. The combination in a single story of lyricism, a special style of military stories, strict traditions of the hagiographic genre and epic-heroic elements give“The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky” how literary work kind of unique character.

I mean Solomon–king of the Kingdom of Israel and Judah in 965-928. BC, who, according to biblical tradition, was famous for his extraordinary mind and according to legend is considered the author of the book "Proverbs of Solomon”

According to biblical tradition, Joseph was distinguished by his extraordinary beauty. – “Joseph the Beautiful”

In biblical mythology, a hero endowed with extraordinary strength

It's about the crusaders.

Master of the Livonian Order of the Crusaders in 1240-1241 Andrey von Felven

Sophia Cathedral in the Novgorod Kremlin was built in 1045-1050.

I mean David–king of Israel and Judah(late II millennium - OK. 950 BC), is considered the author of the biblical book "Psalter", which was very popular in Ancient Russia

Vessel type

This refers to the Jewish king Hezekiah (721-693 BC), according to the Bible, exterminated the bronze snake that Moses made. In his reign, the king of Assyria in 705-630. BC. Sennacherib laid siege to Jerusalem in 700 BC; during the siege, a miracle occurred, which is mentioned in the text

The river flowing into the Neva

Fortress Koporye, near the Gulf of Finland, built by the Livonians on Novgorod land

Pskov was taken in 1240 due to the betrayal of the local boyars. Alexander Nevsky liberated the city in 1242.

Biblical legend, according to which only thanks to divine help Moses (the biblical prophet who, according to legend, brought the Israelites out of Egypt) was able to defeat the leader of the Amalekites–people who occupied the lands between Egypt and Palestine

That is, the battle on Lake Peipsi ( Battle on the Ice), held on April 5, 1242.

According to Old Testament, the walls of Jericho collapsed from the cries and sounds of the trumpets of the troops of Joshua, the successor of Moses as the leader of the Israelites, who besieged the city

That is, the Caspian Sea

Batu (Batu) (1208-1255)–Khan of the Golden Horde, grandson of Genghis Khan (Temujin, Temuchin, c. 1155-1227). Led the invasion of the Mongol-Tatars on Eastern Europe in 1236-1243 Under him, the Mongol-Tatar dominion over Russia began

Here: the wives of the Tatars are meant

This refers to the Nevryuevo invasion of 1252, when the son of Batu Sartak became the khan in the Horde

Apparently, we are talking about one of the attempts of Pope Innocent IV (c. 1195-1254) to subjugate Russia to the Vatican, for which he promised her help in the fight against the Horde

According to biblical tradition, Abraham is the founder of the Jewish people.

Roman emperor Octavian Augustus (63 BC)- 14 years AD)

First Council - Council of Nicaea–The first Ecumenical Council of the Christian Church, which took place in the city of Nicaea, in 325, the Seventh Council - in 787

Yuriev - modern Tartu, taken by the son of Alexander Nevsky in 1262

Under Peter I (1672-1725), the remains of Alexander Nevsky were transferred from Vladimir to St. Petersburg

The text is given according to the publication: The Legend of the Life of Alexander Nevsky // Izbornik: Tales of Ancient Russia. M., 1987. S. 174-182

Metropolitan of Tashkent and Central Asia Vladimir (Ikim).

The compilation of the Life of Alexander Nevsky dates back to the 80s. 13th century and are associated with the names of Dmitry Alexandrovich, the son of Alexander Nevsky, and Metropolitan Kirill, with the monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin in Vladimir, where the body of the prince was buried. here in the thirteenth century. the veneration of the prince as a saint begins and the first edition of his life appears.

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

I, thin and sinful, narrow-minded, dare to describe the life of the holy prince Alexander, son of Yaroslav, grandson of Vsevolodov. Since I heard from my fathers and myself was a witness of his mature age, I was glad to tell about his holy, and honest, and glorious life. But as the tributary said: “Wisdom will not enter into an evil soul: for it abides in lofty places, it stands in the middle of roads, it stops at the gates of noble people.” Although I am simple in mind, I will nevertheless begin with the prayer of the Holy Mother of God and the help of the Holy Prince Alexander.

This prince Alexander was born from a merciful and philanthropic father, and most of all - meek, the great prince Yaroslav and from mother Theodosia. As Isaiah the prophet said: “Thus says the Lord: “I set princes, sacred for they are, and I lead them.” And truly - not without God's command was his reign.

And he was handsome like no other, and his voice was like a trumpet among the people, his face was like the face of Joseph, whom the Egyptian king appointed the second king in Egypt, his strength was part of the strength of Samson, and God gave him the wisdom of Solomon, his courage is like that of the Roman king Vespasian, who conquered the whole land of Judea. One day he prepared to besiege the city of Joatapata, and the townspeople came out and defeated his army. And Vespasian alone remained, and turned those who opposed him to the city, to the city gates, and laughed at his retinue, and reproached her, saying: "They left me alone." So did Prince Alexander - he won, but was invincible.

Hearing about such a prowess of Prince Alexander, the king of the country of Rome from the Midnight Land thought to himself: "I will go and conquer the land of Alexandrov." And he gathered a great force, and filled many ships with his regiments, moved with great force, puffing with the spirit of war. And he came to the Neva, intoxicated with madness, and sent his ambassadors, puffed up, to Novgorod to Prince Alexander, saying: "If you can, defend yourself, for I am already here and ruining your land."

Alexander, having heard such words, flared up in his heart and entered the church of Hagia Sophia, and, falling on his knees before the altar, began to pray with tears: nations, You commanded to live without transgressing the borders of others. And, remembering the words of the prophet, he said: “Judge, Lord, those who offend me and protect from those who fight with me, take up arms and a shield and stand to help me.”

And, having finished his prayer, he stood up and bowed to the archbishop. The archbishop was then Spiridon, he blessed him and released him. The prince, leaving the church, wiped away his tears and said, in order to encourage his squad: “God is not in power, but in truth. Let us remember the Songwriter, who said: “Some with weapons, and others on horses, but we call on the name of the Lord our God; they were defeated and fell, but we stood and stand upright. Having said this, he went to the enemies with a small squad, not waiting for his large army, but trusting in the Holy Trinity.

It was sad to hear that his father, the great prince Yaroslav, did not know about the invasion of his son, dear Alexander, and he had no time to send a message to his father, for the enemies were already approaching. Therefore, many Novgorodians did not have time to join, as the prince hurried to speak. And he set out against the enemy on Sunday, the fifteenth of July, having great faith in the holy martyrs Boris and Gleb.

And there was one man, the elder of the land of Izhora, named Pelugiy, he was entrusted with night watch on the sea. He was baptized and lived among his people, who were pagans, but his name was called Philip in holy baptism, and he lived pleasingly, observing fasting on Wednesday and Friday, and therefore God honored him with seeing a wonderful vision on that day. Let's talk briefly.

Learning about the strength of the enemy, he went out to meet Prince Alexander to tell him about their camps. He stood by the sea, watching both ways, and spent the whole night without sleep. When the sun began to rise, he heard a strong noise on the sea and saw one pier floating on the sea, and the holy martyrs Boris and Gleb in red robes standing in the middle of the pier, holding their hands on each other's shoulders. The rowers sat as if clothed in darkness. Boris said: “Brother Gleb, they led us to row, let us help our relative, Prince Alexander.” Seeing such a vision and hearing these words of the martyrs, Pelugius stood terrified until the nasad disappeared from his eyes.

Shortly after this, Alexander came, and Pelugius, joyfully meeting Prince Alexander, told him alone about the vision. The prince said to him: "Don't tell this to anyone."

After that, Alexander hastened to attack the enemies at the sixth hour of the day, and there was a great slaughter with the Romans, and the prince killed their countless multitude, and on the face of the king himself he left the seal of his sharp spear.

Six brave men, like him, from Alexander's regiment showed themselves here.

The second is named Sbyslav Yakunovich, a Novgorodian. This one attacked their army many times and fought with one ax, having no fear in his soul; and many fell by his hand, and marveled at his strength and courage.

The third - Yakov, a native of Polotsk, was a hunter with the prince. This one attacked the regiment with a sword, and the prince praised him.

The fourth is a Novgorodian named Mesha. This footman with his retinue attacked the ships and sank three ships.

The fifth is from the younger squad, named Sava. This one burst into a large golden-domed royal tent and cut down a tent post. The regiments of Alexandrov, seeing the fall of the tent, rejoiced.

The sixth is from the servants of Alexander, named Ratmir. This one fought on foot, and many enemies surrounded him. He fell from many wounds and died like that.

I heard all this from my master, Grand Duke Alexander, and from those who participated at that time in this battle.

And at that time there was a marvelous miracle, as in the days of old under Hezekiah the king. When Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, came to Jerusalem, wanting to conquer the holy city of Jerusalem, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and killed one hundred and eighty-five thousand of the Assyrian army, and when morning came, only dead corpses were found. So it was after the victory of Alexandrova: when he defeated the king, on the opposite side of the Izhora River, where Alexandrov's regiments could not pass, a myriad of those killed by the angel of the Lord were found here. Those who remained turned to flight, and the corpses of their dead soldiers were thrown into the ships and sunk them in the sea. Prince Alexander returned with victory, praising and glorifying the name of his Creator.

After the victory of Alexandrov, when he defeated the king, in the third year, in winter, he went with great strength to the German land, so that they would not boast, saying: "We will conquer the Slovenian people."

And the city of Pskov was already taken by them and the German governors were imprisoned. He soon expelled them from Pskov and killed the Germans, but he tied up others and freed the city from the godless Germans, and ravaged and burned their land and took countless prisoners, and killed others. The Germans, proud, gathered and said: "Let's go and defeat Alexander, and capture him."

When the Germans approached, the guards checked on them. Prince Alexander prepared for battle, and they went against each other, and Lake Peipsi was covered with a multitude of both warriors. Alexander's father, Yaroslav, sent his younger brother Andrei with a large squad to help him. And Prince Alexander also had many brave warriors, as in ancient times, King David, strong and strong. So the men of Alexander were filled with the spirit of war, because their hearts were like the hearts of lions, and exclaimed: “O our glorious prince! Now the time has come for us to lay down our heads for you.” Prince Alexander raised his hands to heaven and said: “Judge me, God, judge my feud with the unrighteous people and help me, Lord, as in ancient times he helped Moses defeat Amalek and our great-grandfather Yaroslav the accursed Svyatopolk.”

And I heard this from an eyewitness who told me that he saw the army of God in the air, which came to the aid of Alexander. And so he defeated the enemies with the help of God, and they fled, while Alexander cut them down, driving them as if through the air, and there was nowhere for them to hide. Here God glorified Alexander before all the regiments, like Joshua at Jericho. And the one who said: “Let's capture Alexander,” God gave into the hands of Alexander. And there has never been an opponent worthy of him in battle. And Prince Alexander returned with a glorious victory, and there were many prisoners in his army, and those who call themselves "God's knights" were led barefoot near the horses.

And when the prince approached the city of Pskov, the abbots, and the priests, and all the people met him in front of the city with crosses, giving praise to God and glorifying the lord prince Alexander, singing the song: “You, Lord, helped meek David defeat foreigners and our faithful prince liberate the city of Pskov from foreign pagans with the arms of the cross by the hand of Alexander.

And his name became famous in all countries, from the sea of Khonuzh and to the mountains of Ararat, and on the other side of the Varangian sea and to the great Rome.

At the same time was in Eastern country a strong king, to whom God subdued many nations, from east to west. That king, having heard about such glory and courage of Alexander, sent messengers to him and said: “Alexander, do you know that God has subdued many nations to me? What - you alone do not want to submit to me? But if you want to save your land, then come quickly to me and you will see the glory of my kingdom.

After that, Tsar Batu was angry with his younger brother Andrei and sent his governor Nevryuy to ruin the land of Suzdal. After the devastation of Nevryuy land of Suzdal, the great prince Alexander erected churches, rebuilt cities, gathered the dispersed people into their houses. Isaiah the prophet said about such people: “The prince is good in the countries - quiet, affable, meek, humble - and in that he is like God.” Not seduced by wealth, not forgetting the blood of the righteous, orphans and widows, he judges in truth, is merciful, kind to his household and hospitable to those who come from foreign countries. God also helps such people, for God does not love angels, but He generously bestows people in His generosity and shows His mercy in the world.

God filled the land of Alexander with wealth and glory, and God extended his years.

Prince Alexander, having thought with his wise men, wrote him the following answer: “From Adam to the flood, from the flood to the division of peoples, from the mixing of peoples to the beginning of Abraham, from Abraham to the passage of the Israelites through the sea, from the exodus of the sons of Israel to the death of King David , from the beginning of the reign of Solomon to Augustus and until the Nativity of Christ, from the Nativity of Christ and to His crucifixion and Resurrection, from His Resurrection and Ascension to heaven and to the reign of Konstantinov, from the beginning of the reign of Konstantinov to the first Council and the seventh - we know all this well but we will not accept teachings from you.” They also returned home.

And the days of his life multiplied in great glory, for he loved priests, and monks, and the poor, and he honored metropolitans and bishops and listened to them, as to Christ himself.

And he sent his son Dmitry to the Western countries, and sent all his regiments with him, and his relatives of the household, saying to them: "Serve my son, as myself, with your whole life." And Prince Dmitry went in great strength, and conquered the German land, and took the city of Yuryev, and returned to Novgorod with many prisoners and with great booty.

Having worked hard for God, he left the earthly kingdom and became a monk, for he had an immeasurable desire to take on an angelic image. God vouchsafed him and b about The next rank to accept is the schema. And so, in peace with God, he gave up his spirit on the fourteenth day of the month of November, in memory of the holy Apostle Philip.

Metropolitan Kirill said: “My children, know that the sun of the land of Suzdal has already set!” Priests and deacons, Chernorizians, poor and rich, and all the people exclaimed: “We are already perishing!”

The holy body of Alexander was carried to the city of Vladimir. The Metropolitan, princes and boyars, and all the people, small and large, met him in Bogolyubovo with candles and censers. People crowded, trying to touch his holy body on an honest bed. There was a cry, and a groan, and a cry, which had never been, even the earth trembled. His body was laid in the Church of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God, in the great archimandrite, on the 24th day of November, in memory of the holy father Amphilochius.

It was then a marvelous miracle and worthy of memory. When his holy body was laid in the tomb, then Sebastian the Economist and Kirill the Metropolitan wanted to open his hand in order to put in a spiritual letter. He, as if alive, stretched out his hand and took the letter from the Metropolitan's hand. And confusion seized them, and they slightly retreated from his tomb. This was announced to everyone by Metropolitan and Economist Sevastyan. Who will not be surprised at this miracle, because his soul left his body and they carried him from distant lands in the winter!

And so God glorified His saint.

The Tale of the Life and Courage of the Blessed and Grand Duke Alexander

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

I, miserable and sinful, narrow-minded, dare to describe the life of the holy prince Alexander, son of Yaroslav, grandson of Vsevolodov. Since I heard from my fathers and myself was a witness to his mature age, I was glad to tell about his holy, and honest, and glorious life. But as the tributary [*] said: “Wisdom will not enter into an evil soul: for it abides in lofty places, it stands in the middle of roads, it stops at the gates of noble people.” Although I am simple in mind, I will nevertheless begin by praying to the Holy Mother of God and trusting in the help of the Holy Prince Alexander.

This prince Alexander was born from a merciful and philanthropic father, and most of all, meek, the great prince Yaroslav, and from mother Theodosia [*]. As Isaiah the prophet said: “Thus says the Lord: “I set princes, they are sacred, and I lead them.” And truly - not without God's command was his reign.

And he was handsome like no other, and his voice was like a trumpet among the people, his face was like the face of Joseph, whom the Egyptian king appointed the second king in Egypt, his strength was part of the strength of Samson, and God gave him the wisdom of Solomon, his courage is like that of the Roman king Vespasian, who conquered the whole land of Judea. One day he prepared to besiege the city of Joatapata, and the townspeople came out and defeated his army. And Vespasian alone remained, and turned those who opposed him to the city, to the city gates, and laughed at his retinue, and reproached her, saying: “They left me alone” [*]. So did Prince Alexander - he won, but was invincible.

Once one of the eminent men of the Western country [*], from those who call themselves the servants of God [*], came, wanting to see the maturity of his strength, as in ancient times the Queen of Sheba [*] came to Solomon, wanting to listen to his wise speeches . So this one, by the name of Andreash [*], having seen Prince Alexander, returned to his people and said: “I passed through countries, peoples and did not see such a king among kings, nor a prince among princes.”

Hearing about such valor of Prince Alexander, the king of the country of Rome from the northern land [*] thought to himself: "I will go and conquer the land of Alexandrov." And he gathered a great force, and filled many ships with his regiments, moved with a huge army, flaming with the spirit of war. And he came to the Neva, intoxicated with madness, and sent his ambassadors, puffed up, to Novgorod to Prince Alexander, saying: "If you can, defend yourself, for I am already here and ruining your land."

Alexander, having heard such words, flared up in his heart and entered the church of St. Sophia, and, falling on his knees before the altar, began to pray with tears: “Glorious God, righteous, great God, strong, eternal God, who created heaven and earth and established nations, You commanded to live without transgressing the borders of others. And, remembering the words of the prophet, he said: "Judge, Lord, those who offended me and protect them from those who fight with me, take up arms and a shield and stand to help me."

And, having finished his prayer, he stood up and bowed to the archbishop. The archbishop was then Spyridon [*], he blessed him and let him go. The prince, leaving the church, dried up his tears and began to encourage his squad, saying: “God is not in power, but in truth. Let us recall the Songwriter, who said: “Some with weapons, and others on horses, we will call on the name of the Lord our God; they, defeated, fell, but we stood firm and stand straight” ”[*]. Having said this, he went to the enemies with a small squad, not waiting for his large army, but trusting in the Holy Trinity.

It was sad to hear that his father, the great prince Yaroslav, did not know about the invasion of his son, dear Alexander, and he had no time to send a message to his father, for the enemies were already approaching. Therefore, many Novgorodians did not have time to join, as the prince hurried to speak. And he came out against them on Sunday, the fifteenth of July, having great faith in the holy martyrs Boris and Gleb.

And there was one man, the elder of the land of Izhora [*], named Pelugiy, he was entrusted with the night watch on the sea. He was baptized and lived among his kind, the pagans, but his name was named Philip in holy baptism, and he lived pleasingly, observing fasting on Wednesday and Friday, and therefore God honored him with seeing a wonderful vision on that day. Let's talk briefly.

Having learned about the strength of the enemy, he went out to meet Prince Alexander to tell him about the camps of the enemies. He stood by the sea, watching both ways, and spent the whole night without sleep. When the sun began to rise, he heard a strong noise on the sea and saw one platform [*] floating on the sea, and the holy martyrs Boris and Gleb in red robes standing in the middle of the platform, holding their hands on each other's shoulders. The rowers sat as if clothed in darkness. Boris said:

“Brother Gleb, let them row, let us help our relative, Prince Alexander.” Seeing such a vision and hearing these words of the martyrs, Pelugius stood trembling until the nasad disappeared from his eyes.

Shortly after this, Alexander came, and Pelugius, joyfully meeting Prince Alexander, told him alone about the vision. The prince said to him: "Don't tell this to anyone."

Six brave men, like him, from Alexander's regiment showed themselves here.

The first is by the name of Gavrilo Oleksich. He attacked the auger [*] and, seeing the prince dragged by the arms, rode up to the ship along the gangway, along which they ran with the prince, pursued by him. Then they seized Gavrila Oleksich and threw him off the gangway along with his horse. But by the grace of God, he emerged from the water unharmed, and again attacked them, and fought with the governor himself in the midst of their army.

The third - Yakov, a native of Polotsk, was a hunter with the prince. This one attacked the regiment with a sword, and the prince praised him.

The fourth is a Novgorodian named Mesha. This footman with his retinue attacked the ships and sank three ships.

The fifth is from the younger squad, named Sava. This one burst into a large golden-domed royal tent and cut down a tent post. The regiments of Alexandrov, seeing the fall of the tent, rejoiced.

The sixth of Alexander's servants, named Ratmir. This one fought on foot, and many enemies surrounded him. He fell from many wounds and died like that.

I heard all this from my master, Grand Duke Alexander, and from others who participated in this battle at that time.

And at that time there was a marvelous miracle, as in the days of old under Hezekiah the king. When Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, came to Jerusalem, wanting to conquer the holy city of Jerusalem, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and killed one hundred and eighty-five thousand of the Assyrian army, and, rising in the morning, they found only dead corpses [*]. So it was after the victory of Alexandrova: when he defeated the king, on the opposite side of the Izhora River, where Alexandrov's regiments could not pass, a myriad of those killed by the angel of the Lord were found here. Those who remained turned to flight, and the corpses of their dead soldiers were thrown into the ships and sunk them in the sea. Prince Alexander returned with victory, praising and glorifying the name of his creator.

Days of Remembrance: June 5 /May, 23rd; 12-th of September /August 30; December 6 /November 23

Near the St. Michael Athos Monastery there is a chapel in the name of the right-believing Prince Alexander Nevsky with a font.

Alexander Nevsky owns the saying "God is not in power, but in truth." These words can be considered the motto of his life. When the forces were, he fell upon the enemy with all his might. When they were not there, he showed patience, restraint, humbled his pride and went to bow to the enemy so that he would not destroy Russia.

Preface. Metropolitan Kirill about Alexander Nevsky

Alexander Nevsky was the greatest strategist... a man who felt not political, but civilizational dangers for Russia. He fought not with specific enemies, not with the East or the West. He fought per national identity, for national self-understanding. Without him, there would be no Russia, there would be no Russians, there was no our civilizational code.

According to Metropolitan Kirill, Alexander Nevsky was a politician who defended Russia with "very subtle and courageous diplomacy." He understood that it was impossible at that moment to defeat the Horde, which “twice ironed Russia”, captured Slovakia, Croatia, Hungary, entered the Adriatic Sea, invaded China. “Why doesn’t he raise the fight against the Horde? the Metropolitan asks. - Yes, The Horde captured Russia. But the Tatar-Mongols did not need our soul and our brains were not needed. The Tatar-Mongols needed our pockets, and they turned these pockets inside out, but did not encroach on our national identity. They were not able to overcome our civilizational code. But when the danger arose from the West, when the armored Teutonic knights went to Russia - no compromise. When the Pope writes a letter to Alexander, trying to get him on his side... Alexander says no. He sees the danger of civilization, he meets these armored knights on Lake Peipus and smashes them, just as he, by a miracle of God, smashes the Swedish soldiers who entered the Neva with a small squad.

Alexander Nevsky gives away “superstructural values”, allowing the Mongols to collect tribute from Russia: “He understands that this is not scary. Mighty Russia will get all this money back. It is necessary to preserve the soul, national consciousness, national will, and it is necessary to give the opportunity for what our remarkable historiosophist Lev Nikolaevich Gumilyov called "ethnogenesis". Everything is destroyed, it is necessary to accumulate strength. And if they hadn’t accumulated strength, if they hadn’t pacified the Horde, if they hadn’t stopped the Livonian invasion, where would Russia be? She wouldn't exist."

Alexander Nevsky was the creator of that multinational and multi-confessional "Russian world" that exists to this day. It was he who "broke Golden Horde from the Great Steppe. With his cunning political move, he “convinced Batu not to pay tribute to the Mongols. And the Great Steppe, this center of aggression against the whole world, was isolated from Russia by the Golden Horde, which began to be drawn into the area of Russian civilization. These are the first inoculations of our alliance with Tatar people, with Mongolian tribes. These are the first inoculations of our multinationality and multi-religiousness. This is where it all started. He laid the foundation for such a world existence of our people, which determined further development Russia as Russia, as a great state.

Alexander Nevsky, according to Metropolitan Kirill: he is a ruler, a thinker, a philosopher, a strategist, a warrior, a hero. Personal courage is combined in him with deep religiosity: “At a critical moment, when the power and strength of the commander should be shown, he enters into single combat and strikes Birger in the face with a spear ... And how did it all start? I prayed at Hagia Sophia in Novgorod. Nightmare, hordes many times greater. What kind of resistance? He goes out and addresses his people. With what words? God is not in power, but in truth ... Can you imagine what words? What strength!

Metropolitan Kirill calls Alexander Nevsky “an epic hero”: “He was 20 years old when he defeated the Swedes, 22 years old when he drowned the Livonians on Lake Peipus ... A young, handsome guy! .. Brave ... strong. But the most important thing is that, being a politician, strategist, commander, Alexander Nevsky became a saint.“My God! Metropolitan Kirill exclaims. – If there were holy rulers in Russia after Alexander Nevsky, what would our history be like! it collective image as far as a collective image can be... This is our hope, because even today we need what Alexander Nevsky did... We will give our not only votes, but also our hearts to the holy noble Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky - the savior and organizer of Russia!

A STORY ABOUT THE LIFE AND COURAGE OF THE GREAT DUKE ALEXANDER

The beginning of the story. Features of Prince Alexander

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

I, thin and sinful, narrow-minded, dare to describe the life of the holy prince Alexander, son of Yaroslav, grandson of Vsevolodov. Since I heard from my fathers and myself was a witness of his mature age, I was glad to tell about his holy, and honest, and glorious life. But as the tributary said: “Wisdom will not enter into an evil soul: for it abides in elevated places, stands in the middle of roads, stops at the gates of noble people.” Although I am simple in mind, I will nevertheless begin with the prayer of the Holy Mother of God and the help of the Holy Prince Alexander.

This prince Alexander was born from a merciful and philanthropic father, and most of all - meek, the great prince Yaroslav and from mother Theodosia. As Isaiah the prophet said: “Thus says the Lord: “I set princes, sacred for they are, and I lead them.” And truly - not without God's command was his reign.

And he was handsome like no other, and his voice was like a trumpet among the people, his face was like the face of Joseph, whom the Egyptian king appointed the second king in Egypt, his strength was part of the strength of Samson, and God gave him the wisdom of Solomon, his courage is like that of the Roman king Vespasian, who conquered the whole land of Judea. One day he prepared for the siege of the city of Joatapata, and the townspeople went out and defeated his army. And Vespasian alone remained, and turned those who opposed him to the city, to the city gates, and laughed at his retinue, and reproached her, saying: "They left me alone." So did Prince Alexander - he won, but was invincible.

That is why one of the eminent men of the Western country, from those who call themselves the servants of God, came, wanting to see the maturity of his strength, as in ancient times the Queen of Sheba came to Solomon, wanting to listen to his wise speeches. So this one, by the name of Andreash, having seen Prince Alexander, returned to his own and said: “I went through countries, peoples and did not see such a king among kings, nor a prince among princes.”

Battle with the Swedes at the Neva

Swedes attack Russia

Alexander, having heard such words, flared up in his heart and entered the church of Hagia Sophia, and, falling on his knees before the altar, began to pray with tears: “God is glorious, righteous, God is great, strong, eternal God, who created heaven and earth and established nations, You commanded to live without transgressing the borders of others. And, remembering the words of the prophet, he said: “Judge, Lord, those who offend me and protect from those who fight with me, take up arms and a shield and stand to help me.”

And, having finished his prayer, he stood up and bowed to the archbishop. The archbishop was then Spiridon, he blessed him and released him. The prince, leaving the church, wiped away his tears and said, in order to encourage his squad: “God is not in power, but in truth. Let us remember the Songwriter, who said: “Some with weapons, and others on horses, but we call on the name of the Lord our God; they were defeated and fell, but we stood and stand upright ”". Having said this, he went to the enemies with a small squad, not waiting for his large army, but trusting in the Holy Trinity.

It was sad to hear that his father, the great prince Yaroslav, did not know about the invasion of his son, dear Alexander, and he had no time to send a message to his father, for the enemies were already approaching. Therefore, many Novgorodians did not have time to join, as the prince hurried to speak. And he set out against the enemy on Sunday, the fifteenth of July, having great faith in the holy martyrs Boris and Gleb.

Appearance of the Holy Martyrs Boris and Gleb

And there was one husband, the elder of the land of Izhora, named Pelugiy, he was entrusted with the night watch at sea. He was baptized and lived among his people, who were pagans, but his name was called Philip in holy baptism, and he lived pleasingly, observing fasting on Wednesday and Friday, and therefore God honored him with seeing a wonderful vision on that day. Let's talk briefly.

Learning about the strength of the enemy, he went out to meet Prince Alexander to tell him about their camps. He stood by the sea, watching both ways, and spent the whole night without sleep. When the sun began to rise, he heard a strong noise on the sea and saw one nasad floating on the sea, and the holy martyrs Boris and Gleb in red robes standing in the middle of the nasad, holding their hands on each other's shoulders. The rowers sat as if clothed in darkness. Boris said: “Brother Gleb, they led us to row, let us help our relative, Prince Alexander.” Seeing such a vision and hearing these words of the martyrs, Pelugius stood terrified until the nasad disappeared from his eyes.

Shortly after this, Alexander came, and Pelugius, joyfully meeting Prince Alexander, told him alone about the vision. The prince said to him: "Don't tell this to anyone."

Battle of the Neva. 15 July 1240

After that, Alexander hastened to attack the enemies at the sixth hour of the day, and there was a great slaughter with the Romans, and the prince killed their countless multitude, and left the seal of his sharp spear on the face of the king himself.

Six brave men, like him, from Alexander's regiment showed themselves here.

The third - Yakov, a native of Polotsk, was a hunter with the prince. This one attacked the regiment with a sword, and the prince praised him.

The fourth is a Novgorodian named Mesha. This footman with his retinue attacked the ships and sank three ships.

The fifth is from the younger squad, named Sava. This one burst into a large golden-domed royal tent and cut down a tent post. The regiments of Alexandrov, seeing the fall of the tent, rejoiced.

The sixth is from the servants of Alexander, named Ratmir. This one fought on foot, and many enemies surrounded him. He fell from many wounds and died like that.

I heard all this from my master, Grand Duke Alexander, and from those who participated at that time in this battle.

Help of God in the fight against the Latins

And at that time there was a marvelous miracle, as in former days under Hezekiah the king. When Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, came to Jerusalem, wanting to conquer the holy city of Jerusalem, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and killed one hundred and eighty-five thousand of the Assyrian army, and when morning came, only dead corpses were found. So it was after Alexandrova's victory: when he defeated the king, on the opposite side of the Izhora River, where Alexandrov's regiments could not pass, a myriad of those killed by the angel of the Lord were found here. Those who remained turned to flight, and the corpses of their dead soldiers were thrown into the ships and sunk them in the sea. Prince Alexander returned with victory, praising and glorifying the name of his Creator.

Defense of the Novgorod lands

In the second year after the return with the victory of Prince Alexander, they again came from the Western country and built a city on the land of Alexander. Prince Alexander soon went and destroyed their city to the ground, and hanged some of them themselves, took others with him, and, having pardoned others, let him go, for he was immensely merciful.

And the city of Pskov was already taken by them and the German governors were imprisoned. He soon expelled them from Pskov and killed the Germans, but he tied up others and freed the city from the godless Germans, and ravaged and burned their land and took countless prisoners, and killed others. The Germans, proud, gathered and said: "Let's go and defeat Alexander, and capture him."

Battle of Lake Peipus. Liberation of Pskov

It was then Saturday, and when the sun rose, the opponents came together. And there was a fierce slaughter, and there was a crash from breaking spears and a ringing from the blows of swords, and it seemed that the frozen lake moved, and no ice was visible, for it was covered with blood.

And when the prince approached the city of Pskov, the abbots, and the priests, and all the people met him in front of the city with crosses, giving praise to God and glorifying the lord prince Alexander, singing the song: “You, Lord, helped meek David defeat foreigners and our faithful prince liberate the city of Pskov from foreign pagans with the arms of the cross by the hand of Alexander.

And his name became famous in all countries, from the sea of Khonuzh and to the mountains of Ararat, and on the other side of the Varangian sea and to the great Rome.

Negotiations with the Horde

At the same time, there was a strong king in the Eastern country, to whom God subdued many peoples, from the east to the west. That king, having heard about such glory and courage of Alexander, sent messengers to him and said: “Alexander, do you know that God has subdued many nations to me? What - you alone do not want to submit to me? But if you want to save your land, then come quickly to me and you will see the glory of my kingdom.

After that, Tsar Batu was angry with his younger brother Andrei and sent his governor Nevryuy to ruin the land of Suzdal. After the devastation of Nevryuy land of Suzdal, the great prince Alexander erected churches, rebuilt cities, gathered the dispersed people into their houses. Isaiah the prophet said about such people: "The prince is good in countries - quiet, affable, meek, humble - and in this way is like God." Not seduced by wealth, not forgetting the blood of the righteous, orphans and widows, he judges in truth, is merciful, kind to his household and hospitable to those who come from foreign countries. God also helps such people, for God does not love angels, but He generously bestows people in His generosity and shows His mercy in the world.

God filled the land of Alexander with wealth and glory, and God extended his years.

Rebuff to Catholic Rome

Prince Alexander, having thought with his wise men, wrote him the following answer: “From Adam to the flood, from the flood to the division of peoples, from the mixing of peoples to the beginning of Abraham, from Abraham to the passage of the Israelites through the sea, from the exodus of the sons of Israel to the death of King David , from the beginning of the reign of Solomon to Augustus and until the Nativity of Christ, from the Nativity of Christ and to His crucifixion and Resurrection, from His Resurrection and Ascension to heaven and to the reign of Konstantinov, from the beginning of the reign of Konstantinov to the first Council and the seventh - we know all this well but we will not accept teachings from you.” They also returned home.

And the days of his life multiplied in great glory, for he loved priests, and monks, and the poor, and he honored metropolitans and bishops and listened to them, as to Christ himself.

Negotiations with the Horde. Hike to Yuryev

Monastic tonsure. Departure to the Lord

Miracle at the Burial of Saint Prince Alexander

And so God glorified His saint.

Based on the STORY ABOUT THE LIFE AND COURAGE OF THE GREAT DUKE ALEXANDER

On October 5, 2008, Metropolitan Kirill spoke in a TV program dedicated to Alexander Nevsky. Project "Names of Russia"

Alexander Nevsky (c. 1220-1263) was the son of Grand Duke Yaroslav Vsevolodovich and Princess Feodosia, the grandson of Grand Duke Vsevolod III the Big Nest.

King Solomon, who is considered the author of the biblical Book of Proverbs of Solomon. The saying of the tributary has two sources: Prem. 1.4 and Prov. 8.2-3; in the second case, the quote is inaccurate, in the parables of Solomon it reads: “She stands on high places, along the road, at the crossroads; she calls at the gate at the entrance to the city ... "

Old Testament prophet. AT bible book The prophet Isaiah contains prophecies about the fate of the peoples, about the appearance of the Messiah, kings and nobles who live unrighteously are condemned. The author of the life takes the words from his Book, 13:3.

Joseph, the son of Jacob, was endowed with an extraordinary mind and beauty. Hated by his brothers, he was sold by them into Egypt. Pharaoh, after Joseph foretold the famine and indicated the ways of salvation from it, "set him over all the land of Egypt" (Genesis 30-50).

The Old Testament hero, who possessed extraordinary strength, became famous in the fight against the Philistines. His life and deeds are narrated in the Book of Judges, 13-16.

Vespasian Titus Flavius (9-79) - Roman commander, then emperor. The author of the life recalls one episode of the Jewish War (66-73) - the siege of the fortress of Ioatapata, which he probably knows from the History of the Jewish War by Josephus Flavius, the Old Russian translation of this work was distributed in Russia already in the XI-XII centuries.

I mean Livonia.

The queen of the South Arabian state of Saba (Queen of Sheba), having heard about the glory and wisdom of Solomon, came to Jerusalem to test him, and was surprised by his wisdom.

Vessel type.

Hezekiah is one of the Jewish kings. During his reign, the Assyrian king Sennacherib captured almost all of Judea, Jerusalem remained unconquered. During the siege of Jerusalem, a miracle occurred, which the author of the life recalls. The siege of Jerusalem is told in 2 Kings 19.

The insert is made according to the Laurentian Chronicle.

This refers to the fortress of Koporye, built by the Livonians in 1240 on land belonging to Novgorod; destroyed by Alexander in 1241

Pskov was captured by the Germans in 1240, they had their supporters in Pskov, led by the posadnik Tverdila Ivankovich, who helped the Germans capture the city. Alexander Nevsky liberated Pskov in March 1242.

Moses is the biblical prophet who led the Israelites out of Egypt. On their way to Palestine, Amalek, the leader of the Amalekites, resisted the Israelites. It was only through the miraculous effect of Moses' prayer that Amalek failed to win (Ex. 17). Yaroslav Vladimirovich the Wise took revenge on Svyatopolk the Accursed for the murder of the brothers Boris and Gleb. In 1019, on the Alta River, where Boris was killed, Yaroslav defeated Svyatopolk.

Apparently, we are talking about one of the attempts of Pope Innocent IV to subordinate Russia to the Catholic Vatican: for the conversion to Catholicism, Innocent IV promised to help Russia in the fight against the Horde.

Abraham is the forefather of the Jewish people.

When the Israelites fled from Egypt, the Red Sea parted before them, and they freely walked along its bottom. Pharaoh with an army following the Israelites entered the seabed, but the waves closed, and the sea swallowed up the pursuers (Ex., 14, 21-22).

Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian Augustus (63 BC-14 AD) - Roman emperor.

Constantine the Great, Roman Emperor.

The first Ecumenical Council was in 325. The Seventh - in 787 in Nicaea.

By order of the Golden Horde Khan, the Russian princes had to send their regiments to participate in Tatar campaigns. In 1262, Alexander went to the Horde and achieved the release of the Russians from the obligation to act in the war on the side of the Tatars.

This refers to the campaign against Yuryev in 1262.

Bogolyubovo is the former residence of Andrei Bogolyubsky, not far from Vladimir.

Alexander Nevsky was buried in the monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin in Vladimir. Until the middle of the XVI century. The Rozhdestvensky monastery was considered the first monastery in Russia, "the great archimandrite".

During the burial ceremony, a permissive prayer is read for the forgiveness of sins. Its text after reading is invested in right hand deceased.

Preface. Metropolitan Kirill about Alexander Nevsky

A STORY ABOUT THE LIFE AND COURAGE OF THE GREAT DUKE ALEXANDER

The beginning of the story. Features of Prince Alexander

Battle with the Swedes at the Neva

Swedes attack Russia

Appearance of the Holy Martyrs Boris and Gleb

Battle of the Neva. 15 July 1240

Help of God in the fight against the Latins

Defense of the Novgorod lands

Battle of Lake Peipus. Liberation of Pskov

Negotiations with the Horde

Rebuff to Catholic Rome

Negotiations with the Horde. Hike to Yuryev

Monastic tonsure. Departure to the Lord

Miracle at the Burial of Saint Prince Alexander

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