St. Alexander Nevski Feast

On November 23 the Orthodox church celebrates the day of St. Alexander Nevski (1220-1263). Born in 1220, he lived in a time, when Russia was occupied by the Tartars and was elected prince of Novogorod. During his ruling, the Swedish king with his numerous army took the field against Novogorod. Prince Alexander took up the defence of the town, and the two armies met at the confluence of the Ithara and Neva Rivers. Alexander defeated the Swedish army, and from this victory, he earned the name "Nevski." Later on, the prince was recognized by the Tartar khan as prince of Vladimir, Kiev, and Novogorod. At that time, he turned into the single defendant of the Orthodox religion and of the people against the Tartars. St. Alexander ruled for ten years and throughout his ruling he did a lot of good to the people and the Church. In the end of his life, he became a monk. November 23 is the holiday of the biggest Orthodox cathedral on the Balkans, located in Sofia and named after the saint – St. Alexander Nevski cathedral. November 23 is also the name day of all people called Alexander, Alexandra, Sasho, Sashka, Tzanko (the name Alexander is of ancient Greek origin, and means “protector of men”).