Russian President Vladimir Putin lays flowers at the grave of Suvorov on the territory of the Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra. Photo: Alexander Kazakov/Press Service of the President of the Russian Federation/TASS
The presidential cortege entered the monastery through the Consistory gate, where the head of state was greeted by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. According to tradition, they exchanged kisses three times as a sign of respect. After a short conversation, Putin bowed to the prince’s relics and continued to communicate with the Patriarch in an informal atmosphere.
This year marks the 300th anniversary of the transfer of the relics of Alexander Nevsky from Vladimir to St. Petersburg. The main celebrations will take place on September 12, when the Orthodox Church will mark this event.
Vladimir Vladimirovich called Alexander Nevsky “the guardian of the Russian state.” He noted that Nevsky’s relationship with the Horde helped preserve Russian identity.
– It is curious that Peter the Great dedicated the first monastery, which he founded in a new place, on the site of the future capital, to Alexander Nevsky. This is not a coincidence, because he is the guardian of the Russian state and, in fact, the savior of the Russian ethnic group, without exaggeration,” Putin said.
The Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra is the oldest monastery in St. Petersburg, founded in 1713. This is the second monastery in Russia after the Trinity-Sergius Lavra near Moscow, which was awarded such a high status. Vladimir Putin last visited the Lavra in the summer, on July 28 this year.
During a visit to the holy monastery, Vladimir Vladimirovich laid flowers on the grave of the legendary Russian commander Alexander Suvorov. The head of state brought a bouquet of scarlet roses to the tombstone, the patriarch – a bouquet of white roses. Putin, laying flowers, knelt on one knee.
“You remind yourself of yourself with your actions,” the president said to the patriarch, looking at Suvorov’s grave.
“With all my life,” the bishop agreed.
Suvorov was not only a commander, but also a military theorist, Prince of Italy, Generalissimo of the Russian land and naval forces, Field Marshal General of the Holy Roman Empire, Grand Marshal of the Piedmontese troops. Recipient of all Russian military orders of his time and numerous foreign awards. For almost half a century he participated in seven wars, fought more than 60 battles and did not lose a single one.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill during an inspection of the Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra. Photo: Alexander Kazakov/Press Service of the President of the Russian Federation/TASS
At the end of his visit to the Lavra, the Patriarch presented the President with an icon.
“And in memory of this event, I would like to present to you the image of a holy saint, the patron saint of our hometown, so that he may protect you, like a warrior, and strengthen you, especially in those cases when it is necessary to protect Russia by force,” Kirill said.
Vladimir Vladimirovich warmly thanked the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church:
– Thank you very much for this image and for everything you do for the Russian people and for other peoples of the country, strengthening our faith, our fundamental values.
