Saint · 200
Repose of Saint Alexander Nevsky
New Calendar November 23 Old Calendar December 6
Why they are a saint
Nevsky” means “of the Neva (River).” This holy prince guided Russia through one of the most fragile and difficult periods of its history. The Orthodox Church commemorates Repose of Saint Alexander Nevsky on November 23.
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
Orthodox Christians usually take Repose of Saint Alexander Nevsky as a patron when they bear the name Repose at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on November 23. Russian Orthodox faithful also honor his as one of their own.
Prayer
O holy Repose of Saint 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.