Russia Honors St. Alexander Nevsky with Massive Procession
ST. PETERSBURG — On September 12, 2025, over 70,000 people joined a cross procession along Nevsky Prospect to celebrate the feast of the transfer of St. Alexander Nevsky’s relics, the city’s patron saint.
The event followed Divine Liturgy at Alexander Nevsky Lavra and Kazan Cathedral, led by Met. Barsanuphius of St. Petersburg and Bsp. Varnava of Vyborg, respectively.
A water procession on the Neva River from Oreshek Fortress to the Lavra reenacted the 1724 relic transfer. Metropolitan Barsanuphius addressed the crowd at Alexander Nevsky Square, emphasizing unity and faith.
Governor Beglov, the governor of St. Petersburg, highlighted the saint’s historical role in defending Rus. The celebration ended with a military parade and wreath-laying at the Lavra’s Nikolskoye Cemetery.
Revived in 2013, this tradition marks the 1724 transfer ordered by Peter I, solidifying St. Alexander Nevsky’s legacy as St. Petersburg’s protector.
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