Righteous · 1221–1263
Alexander Nevsky
Saint Alexander Nevsky, Right-believing Great Prince of Novgorod and Vladimir
New Calendar November 23 Old Calendar December 6
Why they are a saint
Alexander Nevsky was prince who defended Novgorod, later a monk; a soldier-saint of Rus' and a popular Russian baptismal name. The years given for this life are 1221–1263. The Church numbers him among the righteous whose faith was lived in the world.
Life
Saint Alexander Nevsky was born on May 30, 1220, in Pereslavl-Zalessk, the son of Prince Yaroslav II. From his youth he went on his father's campaigns, and from 1236 he ruled as prince in Novgorod. In 1239 he married the daughter of Prince Briacheslav of Polotsk.
In 1240 the Swedes came with a great force to the Neva under Yarl Birger. In 1241 Alexander recaptured the fortress of Kopore from the Teutonic Knights, then liberated Pskov, and on April 5, 1242, he fought the decisive battle against the Teutonic Order on the ice of Lake Chud.
Returning from a journey to the Horde, he fell gravely ill and, at a monastery in Gorodets, received the monastic schema with the name Alexis and gave up his spirit to the Lord on November 14, 1263.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Patron of Russia, soldiers, because he was a soldier and he is linked to that land by his life and labours.
Prayer
O holy Alexander Nevsky, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.
Do not confuse with other Alexanders (of Munich, of Svir, etc.).