Russian Archangel
A word about Alexander Vasilievich Suvorov …
On the day of the solemn celebration of the 100th anniversary of the death of Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov, the great commander was named the Russian Archangel.
Archangel Michael is called the Archangel of the Heavenly Host. Sovereign Emperor Paul I, conferring upon Suvorov the highest military rank, Generalissimo, after the Italian campaign, uttered amazing words: “For others, this is a lot, for Suvorov it is not enough. Him to be an angel!"
The Orthodox call the order of the monastic angelic order. Monks, through the exploits of fasting and unceasing prayer, strive to become like angels, to achieve holiness. But the Tsar, believing that Suvorov was to be an angel, meant Alexander Vasilyevich's unknown desire to go to the Nilo-Stolobenskaya hermitage, to take monastic vows. Emperor Paul I spoke about the soul, about the spiritual structure of his glorious commander. Over the decades of continuous wars and campaigns, filled with fierce battles and bloody battles, Suvorov managed to acquire the same prayer and humility as the prayer-book monks who for many years carry their feat in monastic monasteries.
Not a single person doubts that Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov is the greatest of the Russian generals. But, the statement that Suvorov is worthy of glorification in the face of saints by the Russian Orthodox Church sometimes causes bewilderment. Yes, they say, Suvorov is a great commander, but is he a saint?
Everyone knows that Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov was a deeply religious Orthodox Christian. No one disputes the fact that the victories won by Suvorov often seem unprecedented, miraculous, that much, accomplished by Suvorov's miracle heroes, clearly surpasses human strength. A pious commander who prayerfully defeated enemies - with this, perhaps, everyone agrees.
But, having heard about the possibility of glorifying Suvorov, they often object to us: not all Orthodox Christians, even those known for their ardent and sincere faith, need to be canonized. And they remind us that even the most famous generals, who won the greatest victories for the glory of the Fatherland, were never glorified by the Church for their exploits on the battlefield.
So why, in our days, do we still consider it possible to hope for the glorification of Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov in the face of saints? And is there any reason for Alexander Suvorov to be depicted on icons next to the heavenly patrons of the Russian army, the faithful princes Alexander Nevsky, Dimitri Donskoy, Dovmont of Pskov, the Monk Ilya of Murom and other holy knights of Russia?
"Suvorov is a warrior of Christ"
It is well known that among the Russian saints, after the monks and saints, the most glorified are the noble warrior princes, who defended the Russian land with a sword in their hand. Among the laity, holy warriors who please God and glorified by the Church, are the overwhelming majority. For the Russians, defending the Fatherland meant defending the Orthodox Faith as well. The noble princes fought against enemies from the West - the Teutons, Swedes, Lyakhams - behind whom stood Latin Rome. They fought with enemies from the East - the Hagarians. They repulsed the onslaught of nomads: from the Pechenegs and Polovtsians to the Mongol-Tatars, whose invasions from the depths of the Asian steppes constantly rolled into Russia. Then they repelled the onslaught of the Ottoman Empire. Fighting with the enemy, the Russian princes fought "For the Land of Svyatorusskaya, for the Holy Temples of God."
Not all the brave and famous Russian princes who defeated enemies on the battlefield are canonized. But among the noble princes there are also princes-martyrs: Vasilko of Rostov, Mikhail of Chernigov, Mikhail of Tverskoy, who suffered for Christ. Today, unfortunately, the names of many Russian princes glorified by the Church are not known to most of our compatriots. But two holy princes - Alexander Nevsky and Dimitry Donskoy - are known by every Russian person, even those who are far from the Church. And in the days of state atheism, it was impossible to teach Russian history without naming these names.
The history of Russia is unthinkable even without the greatest Russian commander Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov, who had to smash enemies both from the West and from the East. The names of Suvorov and St. Alexander Nevsky embody not only the memory of the great victories and glory of our Fatherland. “God is not in power, but in Truth” - with these words of Alexander Nevsky, Russian people for centuries rose to defend their native land from invasions. The attitude of the people to the war was deeply Christian, evangelical. It is no accident that the Russian Army was called the Christ-loving army. Generalissimo Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov, as all military historians and thinkers unanimously admit, showed the spirit of the Russian warrior with his life and his victories. Christ-loving Russian warrior.
Often, remembering Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin, they say: "Pushkin is our everything," implying the importance of the great poet for Russian culture. Speaking about the Russian Army, about its military spirit and traditions, one can rightfully say the words "Suvorov is our everything." It is no coincidence that it is customary to say about our best military leaders: "the commander of the Suvorov school." One of the Russian military thinkers at the beginning of the twentieth century, the famous words "Russia answered Peter's call for enlightenment with Pushkin," continued "The Russian Army answered Peter's call with Suvorov." Suvorov is not only the great commander of the glorious Russian military history. Suvorov is a name without which Russian culture is unthinkable. Without Suvorov, it is impossible to imagine in its entirety the national Russian character. Russia itself is unthinkable without the genius of Suvorov.
In the 21st century, the invincible Admiral Fyodor Fedorovich Ushakov was canonized. In the message of Holy Patriarch Alexy II to the glorification of the righteous warrior Fyodor Ushakov, it is said: imitation of believers, as a saint of God … Feodor Ushakov, as you all know, was an outstanding statesman. His whole life was devoted to Russia. He devotedly served the welfare of his people, the sovereign dignity of his homeland. And at the same time he always remained a man of deep faith in Christ the Savior, strictly adhering to Orthodox moral principles, a man of great mercy and sacrifice, a faithful son of the Holy Church. Probably everyone will agree that these words spoken about the holy naval commander can rightfully be attributed to Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov.
In "Three conversations about war, progress and the end of world history" V. S. Soloviev discusses why Alexander Nevsky, who beat the Livonians and Swedes in the thirteenth century, is glorified, but Alexander Suvorov, who beat the Turks and the French in the eighteenth century, is not glorified. Noting Suvorov's sincere piety and impeccable life, the absence of any obstacles to canonization, Soloviev comes to the conclusion that Alexander Nevsky fought for the future of our Fatherland, which lay in ruins and conflagrations after the terrible Mongol invasion. Suvorov, who accomplished great feats, did not have to save Russia and, therefore, he remained only a "military celebrity." Indeed, Alexander Nevsky, with a valiant sword and humble wisdom, saved the Russian land in the terrible times of Batyev's ruin. Alexander Suvorov was winning victories at a time when the Russian Empire was returning to the shores of the Black Sea, crushing the Ottoman Port, and crushed the French in the valleys of Italy and the Swiss Alps. But nevertheless, it is impossible to completely agree with Solovyov. It seems that the main reason lies in how the Russian people understood the meaning of the feat of the noble princes in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, and in the state of religiosity of Russian society in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
During the reign of Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II, more saints were glorified than in the 18th and 19th centuries. The pious Sovereign proposed to the Synod to glorify the saints of God. Quite often the Tsar even had to insist on the canonization of saints at a time when many church hierarchs succumbed to the pressure of the so-called “progressive” Russian society, which was gradually losing faith and moving away from the Church. Naturally, if this "society" could hardly understand the glorification of the Monk Seraphim of Sarov by the Tsar-Martyr, then there could be no question of the canonization of Suvorov.
The noble princes of Ancient Russia, defending the Fatherland, fought with the Latins and Mohammedans for "Christian Faith, for the holy temples of God, for the land of Svyatorusskaya". What was Suvorov fighting for? Is it really only for expanding the boundaries of the Russian Empire in the "age of the golden Catherine"?
The answer was left to us by Alexander Vasilyevich himself in his Science of Victory: “Stand for the House of the Virgin! Stand up for Mother Queen! They will kill - the Kingdom of Heaven, the Church of God prays. Alive - honor and praise!"
The common people, in contrast to the "progressive" society, always clearly understood what Suvorov was fighting for. In folk songs and legends dedicated to Alexander Vasilyevich, the commander is called "Suvorov - the warrior of Christ."
Many legends have been preserved in the Russian people, which say that at the birth of Alexander Suvorov, an angel in the form of a wanderer visited the house of his parents. The prophecy of one holy fool for Christ's sake is known, who announced the birth of Suvorov: "On this night an extraordinary man was born - famous and terrible for infidels." Undoubtedly, such legends could have arisen only when the people venerated Suvorov as a "warrior of Christ", a defender of the Orthodox Faith from various "infidels".
Popular veneration is one of the conditions important for the glorification of the saint of God. But haven't we seen in Russia a nationwide love for Alexander Vasilyevich all these 250 years? During the life of the commander, all the people not only rejoiced at the glorious victories, but also truly loved Suvorov. War hero of the 12th year, Denis Davydov, the son of a Russian officer, says that he fell in love with Suvorov from early childhood: “… How can a playful child not fall in love with an entire soldier with the all-frequent sight of soldiers and camp? And the type of everything military, Russian, native military, was not Suvorov then? Wasn't he the subject of admiration and blessings, in absentia and personally, each and every one?"
And all the next two and a half centuries, Suvorov will remain the embodiment of everything "Russian, native, military" for those who value Russian military glory, for those who love the Russian army. But, unfortunately, until now this people's love and veneration has not been considered from a religious point of view. Although there are songs and legends, all our folk art clearly says that Suvorov is a “Christ-loving warrior” for Russians. Until the beginning of the terrible twentieth century, the Russian people were not only a Christian people, but also surprised foreigners with their deep faith.
A soldier's song dedicated to the capture of Ishmael tells how a raven saw a miracle:
Wonderful miracle, wonderful miracle, Like our father Suvorov-count
With little strength of their falcons
Smashed the shelves of the dark
Full of Pasha and Vizier
Further in the song it is said about what the Russian soldiers, led by Suvorov, fought for:
For Holy Russia-Fatherland
And for the Christian Faith
I must say that Alexander Vasilievich himself knew and loved Russian songs and epics well. After the victorious battle, Suvorov praises the hero of the Don general Denisov: “Here is the Donets, he is Russian, he is Ilya Muromets, he is Eruslan Lazarevich, he is Dobrynya Nikitich! Victory, glory, honor to the Russians!"
Appearing at the Imperial Court, where at that time much attention was paid to "gallant" and "graceful" manners, Suvorov strove to testify, namely to testify to his faith before the high society. For example, during an audience with the Empress, entering the palace, Alexander Vasilyevich, in front of everyone, went to the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, reverently made three bows to the earth, and then, turning sharply, showing that he saw the Empress well, typing a step, he went to bow to the Empress. Suvorov showed everyone - first, the worship of the Queen of Heaven, and then the Queen of the Russian land.
All the famous "eccentricities" of Alexander Vasilyevich, upon close examination, are evidence of faith, the foolishness of a deeply religious person who denounces sins, a deviation from the faith of his contemporary society. Suvorov with his "eccentricities" tells the world the truth, denouncing hypocrisy, pride, idle talk, the desire for earthly glory. Although, it should be noted, Alexander Vasilyevich did not suffer from ostentatious humility. To the question of the all-powerful Potemkin "What can I reward you with?" Suvorov replied with dignity: “I am not a merchant. Only God and the Empress can reward me. " Grigory Alekseevich Potemkin highly appreciated and always spoke of Suvorov to an excellent degree in letters to the Empress.
For all his "eccentricities", Alexander Vasilyevich amazed the Empress, Potemkin and many other worthy interlocutors with a deep mind, serious reflections and eloquence when it came to public affairs. Suvorov was a deeply educated person, knew several languages. Once the Englishman Lord Clinton talked with Suvorov during lunch at the commander's house. The Briton, amazed by the intelligence and education of Alexander Vasilyevich, wrote a letter full of admiration, calling Suvorov not only the greatest commander, but also a great man. “I don’t remember if I ate what, but I remember with delight every word he said,” wrote Lord Clinton. When Suvorov was informed about Clinton's letter, he said with regret: “It is my own fault, I have revealed myself too much; there were no buttons."
Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov won many glorious victories, won dozens of battles, in which the enemy's forces usually significantly outnumbered the Russian forces. For many years of continuous military campaigns, not a single lost, unsuccessful battle. But Suvorov's two victories especially glorified the name of the Russian commander.
Inexplicable Miracle
After the capture of Ishmael, Byron in his poem "Don Juan" called Suvorov "an inexplicable miracle." All of Europe was amazed at the success of the Russian arms. Ishmael was a fortress with powerful fortifications, which German and French engineers helped the Turks to build. A fortress “without weak points,” as Suvorov soberly defined the fortifications of Izmail. The Russians have 28 thousand, of which only 14 thousand are regular infantry, 11 cavalry squadrons and the Cossacks dismounted for the assault. In Izmail there are 35 thousand Turks, including 17 thousand selected janissaries, 250 guns. When storming such a fortress, the attackers must have at least a threefold advantage. To Suvorov's ultimatum, the Turkish commander seraskir Aidos-Mehmet Pasha, confident of Ishmael's inaccessibility and knowing well his numerical superiority, self-confidently replied: "The Danube will sooner stop and the sky will fall to the ground than the Russians will take Ishmael." But Suvorov carefully prepares the troops, and then gives the famous order: "A day to fast, a day to pray, the next - an assault, or death, or victory!"
Under the most severe fire, the assault columns crossed impregnable walls and deep ditches. The Turks, knocked down from the walls in fierce hand-to-hand combat, fight with incredible tenacity and ferocity, fight in the city, turning every house into a fortress. But by 16 o'clock the battle was over.27 thousand Turks were killed, 9 thousand were taken prisoner. Our losses - 1879 killed (64 officers and 1815 lower ranks), 2 702 wounded. How is this possible when storming such a fortress, with such a stubborn enemy? But it's true. It was not by chance that Suvorov admitted after the victory: "Such an assault can only be decided once in a lifetime." Great was the hope of Alexander Vasilyevich for the help of God, great is the power of the prayer of the Russian commander!
But his main feat was accomplished by Alexander Vasilyevich, completing his life with an unprecedented, wonderful Swiss campaign. Suvorov's crossing of the Alps is a real miracle of military history. What the Russian miracle heroes accomplished under the command of Suvorov in the Alps cannot be accomplished by human forces alone. After the brilliant victories of the Italian company, in which the Russians were defeated in 10 battles MacDonald, Moreau, Joubert, 25 fortresses were liberated - treason and deliberate betrayal of the treacherous Austrians who lured Suvorov into a trap. The Austrians did not leave the promised warehouses, they cheated, deliberately transferring the wrong cards. found themselves without ammunition, food and winter clothing in the mountains. Many mountain passes in the Alps are impassable in winter, even for tourists with modern climbing equipment. In the mountains, in a place like the famous "Devil's Bridge" - at the exit from a narrow tunnel cut in the rock - a narrow stone arch over a bottomless abyss, at the bottom of which a stormy stream rumbles, one company of soldiers can easily hold back an entire army. All positions on the impregnable passes were occupied by the French. The forces of the French were three times the size of the Russian army. Suvorov doesn't even have 20 thousand, the French - 60 thousand. The French are the best soldiers in Europe. The brigades of republican France, singing the Marseillaise, utterly crushed the Austrian and Prussian armies, Italians, British, Dutch. The French are brave, brave warriors, confident in their invincibility. The French troops do not lack ammunition and food. At the head of the republican army, the best generals of Napoleon - the famous Moreau, Lecourbe, "favorite of victories" Massena. The trap in the impassable mountains slammed shut. General Lekurb, gloatingly, wrote to Massena that the Russians had come to an end and "Suvorov had only to die in the mountains from hunger and frost."
And, indeed, there was no hope of salvation from the trap into which the Russian army was led by the treachery and treason of the Austrians. By all the laws of the art of war, the Russians were doomed. All that remained was either to lay down arms, or to die of hunger and cold in the winter mountains. Or die with glory, in a deliberately hopeless battle with a superior enemy.
But, these were Russian miracle heroes, and they were led by "Christ's warrior - Suvorov" …
…. In the battle of Schwyz, a 4,000-strong Russian detachment was supposed to hold back the entire army of Massena. The French were advancing in huge, dense columns of many thousands, with banners unfurled, confident of victory. But only two Russian regiments, with insane audacity, rushed into the bayonets. Six times the miracle heroes went into bayonet attacks, holding back the enemy, but there were too few heroes. And General Rebinder ordered to retreat. The Russians retreated quietly, in perfect order with bayonets at the ready. The huge French columns stopped, and the brave French, at the sight of such courage, a handful of Russian heroes burst into applause.
But, suddenly, General Rebinder appears in front of the Russian system and in a thunderous voice proclaims: “Guys! Our gun remained with the French … Help out the royal goods!"
And the Russians again rush to the enemy with hostility! The French got confused, wavered. At this time, Miloradovich arrived in time with a small detachment, his people, according to eyewitnesses, rushing into battle, impatiently, literally push aside Rebinder's weary soldiers.
The French were driven by a crowd along the gorge to Schwyz four miles …
But at night, reinforcements approached Massena. And in the morning, a huge French army, wanting to wash away the shame and do away with a handful of Russians, again advances in formidable columns on a small Russian detachment.
The Russian soldiers have one charge in their bags. The officers say: “Brothers! Let's show that we are Russian. To work like Suvorov, with a bayonet! The French are coming closer and closer, the Russian system is silent. Massena may have decided that the Russians, realizing the senselessness of resistance, saluting the French, would lay down their arms. And it will be possible, after the victory, to chivalrously express respect to the valiant enemy.
But when the French came very close, a volley rang out, followed by the Russian "Hurray!"
The Russians, having broken with an irrepressible bayonet blow, drove the enemy, once again turning his huge, slender and formidable columns into a disorderly crowd. Non-commissioned officer Makhotin grabbed Massena himself with a blow of his fist from his horse, but a French officer rushed to the marshal's rescue. Makhotin, holding Massena with one hand, struck the Frenchman in hand-to-hand combat, but Massena broke free and, jumping on his horse, managed to escape, leaving his golden epaulette in the hands of the Russian non-commissioned officer …
The French are being driven through the gorge. Having captured the enemy battery, they turn their guns and smash the enemy with French cannons …
In this battle, the Russians captured General Lekurb, who dreamed of the death of Suvorov in an alpine trap.
Before the Rosstock pass, the mountaineers assure Suvorov that at this time of the year we will not pass the Rosstock.
Suvorov replies: “We will pass - we are Russians! God is with us!". The Swiss say that at this time of the year no one walks in the mountains, the formidable spirit of Rübezal reigns there. Suvorov laughs. "I am Ryubetsal!" - he shouts to the frightened mountaineers.
The Russians passed both the Rossstock and the even more terrible Ringenkopf. Since then, the words of Suvorov have remained in the memory for centuries: "Where the deer does not pass, the Russian soldier will pass there!" We walked along icy rocks and cornices, over bottomless abysses, in snow and rain, and ascended where climbers hardly pass today. We walked among the clouds, along mountain passes, spent the night on glaciers.
The French were shot down from unapproachable positions with bayonets alone. It is still unclear how the Russians managed to pass the "Devil's Bridge" occupied by the French! The French, retreating under the onslaught of the Russians, blew up a stone bridge. Under the most severe fire, throwing several logs and tying them with officer's scarves, they ran across the bottomless abyss and knocked over the terrified enemy with bayonets.
… To crush everyone, to knock a superior enemy off the impregnable "devil's bridges", to cross the impassable Alps in winter, where at this time only the "mountain spirit of Rübezal", according to the ideas of the Swiss mountaineers, lives, and even bring with you one and a half thousand captured Frenchmen - this is really there was an "inexplicable miracle"! And so far no one can explain it.
Nowadays, it is customary to talk about moral and volitional qualities, about the moral and psychological training of special forces units. What Suvorov's miracle heroes did in the Alps (not a mountain rifle special unit, but the whole army!) Is a real miracle. Russian miracle.
“God is our general. He leads us. Victory is from him!"
In military science, all serious scientists attach great importance to the spirit of the armies; they pay much attention to the spiritual component of victories. Indeed, the best armies of military world history have always been distinguished by high fighting spirit, faith in their mission and in their leaders. Such were the fanatical "warriors of Islam" of the Arab conquerors and the janissaries of the Ottoman Empire, the Swedes-Lutherans of Gustav-Adolphus and Charles XII, and the Old Guard of Napoleon, and the iron soldiers of the Wehrmacht who crushed all of Europe.
So what was the spirit of the Suvorov miracle heroes led to their glorious victories? Of course, by the Holy Spirit, called in his prayers."To the Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Soul of Truth …" with deep faith, together with their commander, Suvorov's soldiers sang at the marching altars, performing a prayer service before each battle. Suvorov's words: “Holy Mother of God save us! Father Nicholas the Miracle-worker pray to God for us! Without this prayer, don't bare your weapon, don't load your rifle! " - were accepted by the heart of every Russian soldier. Suvorov said: “Pray to God; victory from Him! " - and the soldiers believed him and fervently prayed together with their leader. But everyone understands, in order to breathe such faith into the hearts of soldiers, teachings and words alone are not enough. At that time, every Orthodox Christian knew and heard similar words in Russia at that time. In order to breathe such fervent faith into the hearts of the soldiers, the commander himself had to have a living hope in God in his heart, had to show it with his life. It is no coincidence that Denis Davydov, himself in the "thunderstorm of the twelfth year," who knew the Russian soldier well, wrote the exact words: "Suvorov put his hand on the heart of the Russian soldier and studied his beating."
The hearts of the Russian Christ-loving warrior and the Russian Christ-loving commander beat the same. In our hearts was love for Christ the Savior, the Queen of Heaven and the Russian land. Suvorov rightfully said to his heroes: “God is our general. He leads us. From him the victory!.
By the way, the first of the Russian regimental priests to be awarded for military feat was Father Timofey Kutsinsky, who, after all the officers had been knocked out, raising a cross, led a column of rangers under heavy fire to storm the Izmail walls. The priest's cross was pierced by two bullets. Tsarist awards for bravery to soldiers and officers, Suvorov assigned to those who distinguished themselves in the church. He himself brought them to the altar on a platter, the priest sprinkled orders and medals with holy water, and then, each of the heroes crossed himself with the sign of the cross, kneeling down and kissing the insignia.
Both the Suvorov miracle heroes and the sailors of Ushakov, according to the opinions of even the enemies, were distinguished by mercy, generosity to the vanquished. “Have mercy on the one asking for mercy. He is the same person. They don't beat someone who is lying down,”Suvorov taught. Honest, unusually disciplined Russian soldiers and sailors amazed the inhabitants of Italy and the Ionian Islands with their "good manners". Suvorov taught: "Do not offend the man in the street, the soldier is not a robber." And he emphasized - "God is not a helper for a robber." Suvorov, like Ushakov, considered the basis of the military spirit and valor to be faith in God, a clear conscience and high morality. Both the Russian naval commander and the Russian military leader were known for their disinterestedness, strikingly different at that time from the British admirals and generals, for whom, as for the famous Nelson, the war was a way to get rich. And, of course, from the generals of republican France, following Bonaparte, who became famous for the unprecedented robberies of Italy. Although, it should be noted that when the enemy camp was captured, or the storming of the city, the extraction of soldiers was considered legal. But it was not in the rules of the Russian commanders to participate together with the soldiers in the division of this booty. These were the traditions of the Russian Army.
Suvorov, considered it important to know the moral character of his opponents. And he divided the French generals opposing him into two lists: Moreau, MacDonald, Joubert, Surier - honest but unfortunate republicans, Bonaparte, Massena, Lemojes and others - robbers.
About Massena, known for his greed, Suvorov said: "Will he really not remember that in his cramped coffin all the millions he looted and stained with blood will not fit?"
In Europe, both admired and frightened by the Russian victories, rumors were spread about the bloodthirstiness of the great commander. Nevertheless, those who witnessed his victories, even foreigners talk about Suvorov's extraordinary generosity and mercy to his enemies. But, to the enemies of the vanquished. A well-fortified suburb of Warsaw, Prague was taken by a fierce assault, most of the thirty thousand Poles who stubbornly defended the suburb were killed in a fierce battle. But, taking the keys from the suburb of Warsaw, frightened by the storm, Suvorov kissed the keys of the city and, raising them to the sky, said: "I thank the Lord that they were not as expensive as …" and looked at the destroyed suburb. His first words addressed to the delegation of the conquered Warsaw were: “Peace, silence and tranquility. Life, property, oblivion of the past. The Most Merciful Empress will grant you peace and silence! " Suvorov, entering Warsaw, gave the order not to respond to possible shots from houses. He released 25 thousand insurgents who had laid down their arms to their homes with passports. And, a testament to the wisdom and philanthropy of Alexander Vasilyevich - his order not to enter Warsaw for the regiments, whose teams were in the Polish capital during the uprising. The Poles on the Friday of Holy Week, having raised an uprising, meanly killed the Russian teams scattered around the city. Only a few with General Igelstrom managed to get through to their own. The Poles proudly called this treacherous massacre, perpetrated on Holy Week "Warsaw morning". Suvorov understood that Russian soldiers could not resist the desire to avenge their fellow soldiers who died, and took pity on the Poles. But Suvorov always waged military operations with extraordinary determination and lightning speed. "Is it better to drag out the war and put in 100 thousand?" - he asked those who reproached him for trying to solve the company with a decisive, albeit fierce battle. Poland was pacified in an unusually short time.
Suvorov considered Poland, quite rightly, as a nest of Jacobinism in Eastern Europe, an ally of Republican France. And here, it is very important for us to understand what the war with France was for Alexander Vasilyevich.
For the Holy Altars and Thrones
Suvorov said that he was fighting for the "Holy Altars and Thrones." For the altars of Christian churches and for the thrones of Christian princes. Suvorov's miraculous heroes knew that they were at war with the "godless" French, who "killed their tsar and destroyed the temples of God." Let us recall what the "great" French Revolution brought to the world, what the brigades of the French Revolutionary Army carried to Europe under the slogans "freedom, equality, brotherhood." France still celebrates Bastille Day and sings the Marseillaise. Few remember how this revolution took place in beautiful France - the brainchild of encyclopedists and anticlericals. Bloody bacchanalia, constantly working guillotine, meanness and meanness and incredible cruelty of the Jacobins, really bloodthirsty monsters Marats, Dantons, Robespierres. In the Parisian Cathedral of Our Lady - the temple of the "Goddess of Reason", the desecration of shrines, the murder of priests. Suvorov clearly understood that this was a theomachic spirit, the spirit of the Antichrists, he felt the "breath of hell" in the French revolution. “Paris is the root of all evil. Paris is a misfortune for all of Europe”- Suvorov prophetically warned. French troops crushed the armies of neighboring states, and watching what was happening in Europe, Suvorov ended his letters to Empress Catherine II with the words: "Mother, order me to go against the French!" Truly prophetically, Alexander Vasilyevich also predicted the danger that threatens Russia when Bonaparte and his troops are in Poland. He even foresaw exactly which of the European countries would give their regiments to Napoleon's army. He accurately named the number of troops - more than half a million. By the way, during the invasion of hordes of "twelve tongues" into Russia, the desecration of the Kremlin cathedrals by foreigners, many Orthodox Christians, not without reason, considered Napoleon the "forerunner of the Antichrist."
Suvorov tried to destroy the terrible danger in the bud - “I beat the French, but I didn't finish it off. Paris is my point, Europe is in trouble”. “Well done, he walks far, if he doesn’t stop him,” he said about Napoleon. And, if not for the treacherous treason of Austria, which forced the Sovereign Emperor Paul I to withdraw the Russian troops, Suvorov, there is no doubt that he would have crushed the Corsican.
Napoleon had to be beaten and driven away from the Russian land by Suvorov's favorite student, Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov. And the confrontation between "godless" France and the Russian Kingdom ended in Paris in 1814. On Easter 14th year, on the square where the French killed their king, Russian regiments stood in parade line. Regimental priests, in red Easter vestments, performed solemn divine services at the marching altars. And to the cries of the priests "Christ is Risen!" together with their Russian Tsar, Tsar Emperor Alexander I, thousands of Russian soldiers responded, fighting from Borodino and Maloyaroslavets to Paris. "Truly Risen!" - the thunderous victory cry of the "Christ-loving army" echoed over Europe.
Suvorov taught his soldiers before battles with French troops: “The French are violators of the general silence and enemies of the general peace. The French rejected Christ the Savior! Fear their debauchery! You were happy with faith - keep it. Cherish your conscience; may she not reproach you for being the companions of the oppressors of the faith and the rights of the people. Run away false teachers! Testament of the Russian Archangel to his miracle heroes.
In Italy, in the liberated Milan, residents strew its path with flowers, branches of trees, kneel down, kiss hands, the hem of a dress. Suvorov makes the sign of the cross and repeats: "God helped!.. Thank God!.. Pray to God more!"
In Switzerland, at the very top of St. Gotthard, Capuchin monks await the appearance of the "northern barbarians" in awe. Russian troops appear. Clothes and footwear turned into rags, almost barefoot Russian soldiers, made the hardest crossings on mountain glaciers and snowy passes, the last crackers have long run out. Finally, the Russians reached the summit of St. Gotthard. In Gotspis, in a hospitable home, monks are accustomed to rescuing travelers in trouble in the winter mountains. Food and drink prepared in advance. But the Russian elder-commander greets the prior and asks everyone, first of all, to go to the church - to serve a thanksgiving prayer to God. The Capuchin monks watch in amazement as the famous Suvorov himself lights candles, earnestly crosses himself, sings thanksgiving prayers with everyone.
Finally, the Panics crossed. The Alps, impassable in winter, were overcome, the French were defeated, and the Russian army overcame the last pass. Suvorov, in front of the formation of his miraculous heroes, rips off his hat from his head and, raising his hands to the sky, sings loudly: "We praise you, God!"
Suvorov fought, protecting not only the altars of Christian churches from desecration by the atheists, but also the thrones of Christian sovereigns. The whole life of Alexander Vasilyevich is an example of loyalty to the Tsar's throne. One of the "eccentricities" of Suvorov at the Court was the custom of the commander not only to put three bows to the earth before the icon of the Queen of Heaven, but also to greet the Empress with an earthly bow. At a time when the courtiers gracefully and gallantly bowed to the Empress, the renowned commander bowed to the ground before the Empress. Suvorov emphasized his Christian reverence for the autocratic Tsarina.
Suvorov said: “God have mercy! We Russians pray to God; He is our helper; We serve the Tsar - he trusts in us and loves us. " Loyal service to the Tsar, Suvorov considered not only a Christian duty, but also a great virtue. "Russians are capable of anything, and pray to God and serve the Tsar!" - said Alexander Vasilyevich with admiration, rejoicing in the exploits of his miraculous heroes.
Diligently and skillfully, the enemies of Emperor Paul I, taking advantage of the fact that Suvorov was far from the capital, in the army, for a long time tried to quarrel between the Emperor and the commander. Despite his reverent attitude to the Tsar's throne, Alexander Vasilyevich, like under Empress Catherine II, always spoke the truth, boldly exposing the shortcomings of the Gatchina innovations in the army. His words: "Buckles are not cannons, powder is not gunpowder, a scythe is not a cleaver, and I am not a German, but a native hare!" - were carried through the army. But, knowing Suvorov's unshakable loyalty to the Tsar, the conspirators did not even think to persuade the famous commander to treason. It was possible only by intrigues to achieve disgrace and exile of Suvorov.
By the way, Alexander Vasilyevich said that he had seven wounds; two were obtained in the war, and five at the Court. But these five, he said, were more painful than the first.
The exile in Konchansky was a prayer lock for Suvorov. Suvorov not only sings in the choir in the village church. In disgrace, in humility and patience, the soul of the great commander gathers strength, prepares for the feat of the Swiss campaign. Suvorov asked the Tsar for permission to leave for the Nilov Novgorod desert in order to end the days of serving God in the monastic monastery. In the letter Suvorov writes: “Our Savior alone is sinless. Forgive me for my unintentional deeds, merciful Emperor. But the Lord was preparing Alexander Vasilyevich for the last great feat to the glory of God, the Tsar and the Fatherland.
The reconciliation of the noble Tsar Pavel Petrovich and Suvorov was extraordinary. In a letter from the Emperor to the commander, the Emperor confesses his guilt:
“Count Alexander Vasilievich! Now is not the time to settle accounts. God will forgive the guilty one. The Roman emperor demands you to be the commander of his army and entrusts you with the fate of Austria and Italy. My business is to agree to this, and yours is to save them. Hurry to come here and do not waste your time from your glory, but I have the pleasure to see you. I am benevolent to you. Paul."
Suvorov kisses the letter and gives the order: “It's an hour to get ready, another - to go. He served in the village for a sexton; I sang in a bass, and now I will go to sing by Mars"
In St. Petersburg, approaching the Tsar, Suvorov reads aloud the Lord's Prayer "Our Father", and with the words "And do not lead us into temptation," he kneels. The Emperor, lifts Alexander Vasilyevich from his knee, completing the prayer: "But deliver us from the evil one!"
A majestic and worthy reconciliation between the Russian Christian commander and the Russian Tsar. In an effort to reward Suvorov for patience and loyalty, Emperor Paul I entrusted Suvorov with the chain of the Order of St. John the Great Cross of Jerusalem. Suvorov exclaimed: "God save the Tsar!" "You save kings!" - the Emperor answers.
After the great Swiss campaign, Emperor Paul I, having assigned the rank of generalissimo to Alexander Vasilyevich, ordered the army to give Suvorov military honors similar to the person of the Sovereign, and even in the presence of the Tsar himself.
Suvorov fought, "saving the thrones", trying to protect from the "hyena", as the commander called the French Revolution, the Christian statehood of the European powers. Orthodox Russian Tsars restrained the "spirit of antichrists", "the breath of hell." Tyutchev in the middle of the nineteenth century will prophetically say there are two forces in the world - the revolution and Orthodox Russia. And how the Russian generals, who betrayed the Tsar-Martyr Nikolai Alexandrovich in March 17, lacked this simple, Holy Russian loyalty to the Tsar, a great commander and a great Christian. Suvorov's loyalty to the Tsar, the Anointed One of God was based on his firm, Orthodox, patristic faith. Would the generals have fulfilled the Suvorov testament “You were happy with your faith - keep it! Flee false teachers! " - would remain loyal to the Tsar, the fate of Russia and the whole world in the twentieth century would have been different.
Today we see where the modern world is heading, built on the "humane ideals of the Great French Revolution," which proclaimed - "freedom, equality, brotherhood." There is no place for Christ in this godless world. Suvorov in the eighteenth century clearly understood that this "spirit of antichrists" carried people, and he fought with it precisely as "the Warrior of Christ." When Alexander Vasilyevich was congratulated on crossing the Alps, the commander said truly prophetic words: “God helped us overcome them and go through thunderclouds. But will it help us to ward off the thunderous blows directed at the Thrones?.. His Holy Will!"
In 1812, the invasion of the "forerunner of the Antichrist" Napoleon was defeated by the Russian Christ-loving army. In 1917, Russia was defeated, but was preserved by the prayers of the Holy Royal Martyrs, all the New Martyrs of Russia, under the Protection of the Sovereign Mother of God. In the world, as before, two forces are in conflict - the revolution and Russia, which nevertheless retained the Orthodox faith. Nowadays, the "spirit of antichrists" in the form of "global structures" that have already taken possession of the world, seeks to finally crush Russia. And we are talking not only about our energy resources and the territory necessary for the "world government". We are faced with the same hatred for Christ and His Church, which was possessed by both the French Jacobins and those who seized power in Russia in 17. Russia, which can be reborn as an Orthodox Russian state, is the last obstacle on the way of these theomachists. Again, Russia is in danger; and from the West - NATO (the present horde of "twelve languages"), and from the East and South - the invasion of alien hordes. Opponents today are superior to Russia both in material and human resources. But, despite the fact that more and more new types of weapons are being developed, despite the existence of nuclear forces, high-precision weapons, despite the fact that the confrontation is also moving into the space sphere, the spirit of the Army will remain decisive in this confrontation with the enemy. and the spirit of the People. Suvorov said: “You can't beat ten people alone. God's help is needed. " The "post-Christian" Europe and the United States, which have deviated from the faith and Christ the Savior, fanatical hordes of "warriors of Islam" under the green banner, a billion-dollar pagan China …
Let's think if the Russian Army needs Suvorov's behests and prayerful help from the Russian Archangel today?
Temple-maker, church choir, bell-ringer, benefactor …
Speaking about the possible glorification of Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov, one cannot but recall that the great commander was also a temple creator. In Novaya Ladoga, being the commander of the Suzdal regiment, Suvorov built the Church of Peter and Paul. Together with the soldiers, he carried logs, carved a cross with his own hand, installed on the dome of the church. Going with the regiment to the war, he sent Archpriest Anthony a letter with the request: "I ask your blessing, so that until the regiment returns, the service will be performed daily" and a donation for the church. He built the Church of St. Alexander Nevsky in Konchanskoye, and despite being busy, he arrived at a distant estate to pray at the consecration of the church. In Kistysh, on the site of the wooden church of St. Basil the Great built by the commander's father Vasily Ivanovich, Suvorov erected a stone church, with the boundaries of the prophet Ilya and St. Alexander Nevsky. Caring for and decorating the temple in Undol. He sent a letter to the Turkish company with the order to sell the estate, horses, harness, dishes in Undol, and give all the money to church utensils.
The church choir, recruited from the peasants, was the best in the province. Alexander Vasilyevich himself was very fond of, appreciated and understood church singing. Suvorov sang in the choir and in his own Moscow church of St. Theodore the Studite. In Konchanskoye, Suvorov, long before the beginning of the service, climbed the bell tower, and waited until the figure of a village priest, going to the service, appeared on a green hillock. Then Suvorov began to ring the bells. He called skillfully. During the service, he served at the altar, gave a censer, and read notes. He loved to read on the kliros, especially the clock and the Apostle.
Suvorov was also an enlightener, making sure that the Word of God sounded. Not only did he open Sunday schools at churches, but he himself wrote a children's catechism. As the commander of the Astrakhan regiment, he is engaged in the education of officers and soldiers, builds at his own expense a school for soldiers' children at the church, where he teaches arithmetic to both children and adults, sketches the foundations of new textbooks.
Alexander Vasilyevich loved life in the countryside. Once, when the doctor advised the sick commander to go to warm waters, Suvorov replied: “God have mercy! What do you want? Send healthy rich people, limping players, intriguers there. There, let them bathe in the mud. And I am truly sick. I need a prayer in the village, a hut, a bathhouse, gruel and kvass."
Much can be said about the solid Christian foundations on which economic life was built on the Suvorov estates. By the way, the farms on his estates were much more efficient than those of the neighboring landowners. Alexander Vasilyevich was not only a "father to the soldiers", but also a father to his peasants. He always helped the poor to get on their feet, to raise the economy. He took care of the widows, the poor, the disabled. As a father, Suvorov was especially concerned not only with well-being and prosperity, but also with the health and morality of the peasants. He tried to ensure that there were no beans and homeless women in his possessions. He encouraged childbirth as best he could, and always gave the family a silver ruble for the birth of a child. “The peasant gets rich not in money, but in children,” Suvorov was convinced.
There are many testimonies about how Suvorov provided various assistance to those in need, but secret donations of large sums to charitable institutions became known only after the death of the commander. “From an unknown person”, Alexander Vasilyevich transferred 10 thousand rubles annually to the Petersburg prison to redeem debtors.
The great commander had an unusually kind and merciful heart. During Great Lent, in severe frosts, a "bird's room" was arranged in Suvorov's house - forest birds were saved from hunger and cold - "frost early, - they will perish." Trying to help the mother of Captain Sinitsky to return her son from exile to Siberia, Suvorov writes to the old mother: "I will pray to God, pray you too, we will both pray!" They managed to obtain a pardon and return Sinitsky from exile.
Denis Davydov notes that Suvorov "for fifty-five years commanding the Russian armies, did not make a single person, not a single official or a private unhappy, he never hit a soldier, punished the guilty only with mockery in the spirit of the people, which cut into them like stigma." Many considered Suvorov, even too soft. Suvorov replied to the presentation to severely punish the guilty: "I am not an executioner." And at the same time, the discipline in his troops was iron.
Learning that there was not a single case of disobedience for the entire Italian company and the Swiss campaign, Suvorov exclaimed: “I recognize our Russian troops. The burden of the service is easy when many people raise it in unison. No! Greeks and Romans are not equal to us!"
Suvorov showed extraordinary generosity towards the defeated enemy. Releasing General Lekurb from captivity, Suvorov, learning that the Frenchman had recently married, gave the General's young wife a flower. This flower, as the greatest shrine, was kept in the house of Lecourbe in Paris. In 1814 Lecourbe showed it to Russian officers.
Suvorov was unhappy in his family life. But this is not his fault, but the misfortune of the "gallant age". And it is impossible to reproach Alexander Vasilyevich for not being able to forgive his spouse. Suvorov was strict, first of all, with himself. The commander valued purity and a calm conscience above all else. Suvorov no longer began to seek family happiness, and the rest of his life, he gave all his strength to the Fatherland. But, how touching is his love for his daughter Natalia, "sweet Suvorochka". Alexander Vasilyevich said with all sincerity: "My life is for the Fatherland, my death is for Natasha." The letters to his daughter are filled not only with tender fatherly love, but with great concern for the moral purity of the daughter, strengthening her in piety.
Suvorov, in his letters to his godson Alexander Karachay and the young officer P. N. Skripitsin, left an unusually deep and laconic instruction, explaining what a true hero should be. Alexander Vasilievich warns young people against the danger of turning virtues into shortcomings. For example, he advises to be: “Courageous, but without passion. Fast without rashness. Subordinate, but without humiliation. The boss, but without arrogance. A winner, but no vanity. Noble, but without pride … - and many other equally accurate advice was left by the great commander … Suvorov asks to be: “The enemy of envy, hatred and revenge. To overthrow opponents with condescension. To rule over friends by faithfulness. Abhor lies. Be innately straightforward. Be honest with your friends. Forgive the mistakes of your neighbor. Never forgive them in yourself. Do not lose heart in misfortune … Honoring God, the Mother of God and the saints consists in avoiding sin. The source of sin is lies, this comrades are flattery and deceit,”writes Suvorov. All of Suvorov's instructions are imbued with a deep Christian spirit and are no less instructive for each of us. And, most importantly, everything that he advises young people to strive for, Alexander Vasilyevich, he himself was able to translate into his life.
Suvorov was not a prude and, considering faith and morality to be the basis of the valor of the troops, he always found time for good jokes. Alexander Vasilievich was a man of a joyful, bright Christian spirit. With two, three words, he could cheer up the troops. It is known how, seeing the incredible fatigue, the soldier sang a playful song:
What happened to the girl
What's wrong with the red!
And the exhausted soldiers gained strength.
The Austrians, after the battle with the Turks, in which they seemed to take part, but did not fight, demanded a part of the guns taken by the Russians from the defeated enemy. Suvorov ordered: “God have mercy! Give them everything! We will get some more for ourselves, and for the poor where to get it! The courtiers in St. Petersburg tried not to offend Alexander Vasilyevich, knowing his resourcefulness and apt, precise word.
As an obstacle to the canonization of Suvorov, they recalled his alleged involvement with the Freemasons. In the eighteenth century, indeed, some well-meaning Orthodox Russian people, not knowing who they were dealing with, ended up in Masonic lodges. But, the statements of Alexander Vasilyevich are known, who warned the officers against communicating with these enemies of Christ. Historians have long refuted the fables of the Freemasons, who want to ascribe to themselves many great Russian people about the alleged "Freemasonry" of Suvorov.
Suvorov, fighting in Italy, respected Catholic priests and temples of God, but he never doubted that only the Orthodox Church is the truth.
Suvorov in Prague, in Bohemia, faced with the sect of "Bohemian brothers", having heard the legend about the burning of Jan Hus, says: “I thank God that the Reformation fever never visited our Fatherland: we always had religion in all its purity. And who does not know that the son of God never commanded to baptize Jews and pagans with a sword or fire?"
“But we are Russians! God is with us!"
Glorifying the holy saints, God's Church encourages us to try to imitate them in our lives. And it is very important today, to assimilate one more testament left to us by the Russian Archangel.
Suvorov often exclaimed: "We are Russians, God is with us!", "We are Russians - what a delight!" "We are Russians - the enemy is trembling before us!" - turned to his miracle heroes. The commander uttered these words not only in order to raise the morale of his troops, but from an overflowing heart. Suvorov's delight was a spiritual joy, gratitude to God of an Orthodox Russian person who loves his Fatherland. The words of Alexander Vasilyevich surprisingly echo the words of the holy righteous John of Kronstadt: “Russian people - be proud that you are Russian! Russia is the foot of the Throne of God on earth”.
At the same time, Suvorov did not have the slightest hint of xenophobia, which today they are so afraid to see in the Russian patriotic movement. Alexander Vasilyevich is friends with the Prince of Coburg, the Frenchman Lamet. He writes a famous letter full of deep respect to the "noble knight of the Vendée" the monarchist Charette, urging "to restore the Temple of the Lord and the throne of your Sovereigns."About one noble Russian officer who wrote poorly in Russian, Suvorov said: "It's a shame, but let him write in French, if only he thought in Russian." With all Russians, Alexander Vasilyevich spoke exclusively in Russian, those of the officers who, following the fashion, sought to express themselves in French, received from Suvorov a mocking nickname "monsieur".
During the famous military council in the Alps, when it was clear that there was no hope of salvation, Suvorov, after describing in detail the hopelessness of the situation, after a pause, suddenly glances around everyone and shouts: “But we are Russians! God is with us!". And from all the generals says the oldest, Vilim Khristoforovich Derfelden: "Lead us, we are your father, we are Russians!" All the generals in chorus say: "We swear that by Almighty God!" Suvorov listens with closed eyes to the oath of Russian generals. Then he happily says, “I hope! Glad! Have mercy on God! We are Russians! Thanks to! Thanks! We will defeat the enemy, and victory over him - victory over treachery … There will be a victory!”.
Pyotr Ivanovich Bagration said: “We left Alexander Vasilyevich with an enthusiastic feeling, with selflessness, with willpower; win or die, but die with glory, cover the banners of our regiments with their bodies ….
Both Bagration and Derfelden were Russians for Suvorov, and they themselves considered themselves Russians and were proud of it. Hot Bagration during the retreat of 1812 will write with indignation to Barclay - de Tolly: "What kind of Russians are we, if we give our Fatherland to the enemy?"
Suvorov asks Miloradovich: "Misha, do you know three sisters?" Miloradovich, guessing, answers: “I know! Faith Hope Love!". Suvorov happily picks up the words of the young hero-general: “Yes, you know. You are Russian. You know three sisters: Faith, Hope, Love. Glory and victory are with them, God is with them!"
By the way, when someone, be it a soldier, an officer or a general, performed his service poorly, Suvorov reproached them in the same way: “You are not Russian; it's not in Russian”. To those who wanted to improve, he said: "Show in practice that you are Russian."
For many years, the media have been methodical and persistent in driving us into our heads that Russia is an eternal loser, that we have only "fools and roads", the Russians are drunkards and lazy people and other "gentlemen's set" of Russophobes. They are convinced that, it turns out, there are no Russians either, but only “Russian-speaking Russians”. For them, only the "Russian" mafia and the terrible "Russian fascism" remained Russian.
Suvorov, having learned about the capture of Corfu by the Russian fleet of FF Ushakov, exclaimed: "Our great Peter is alive!" and remembered the words of Emperor Peter the Great after the victory over the Swedish fleet at the Aland Islands: “Nature has produced only one Russia; she has no rival! - and now we see. Hurray for the Russian fleet!"
How important it is for us today to hear the disheartening words of the Russian Archangel: "We are Russians - what a delight!"
He who conquered himself is invincible
Recently, when in front of our eyes in the media and "Soros" textbooks a seemingly unthinkable distortion of Russian history is taking place, let's not lose heart, let us recall the words of Alexander Vasilyevich said about a modern French writer: “This historian has two mirrors. One magnifying for our own, the second diminutive for us. But history will break both, and put its own, in which we will not be pygmies."
In the twentieth century, they already tried to rewrite the history of Russia. But when the enemy stood near Moscow, Stalin turned to the names of the holy noble princes Alexander Nevsky and Dmitry Donskoy, Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky, Alexander Suvorov and Mikhail Kutuzov. It is no coincidence that during the Great Patriotic War, our best military leaders were called commanders of the "Suvorov school". Returning to the traditions of the glorious Russian Army, creating in 1944 schools in the likeness of the cadet corps of Imperial Russia, they were named Suvorov.
After the pogrom perpetrated by the Soviet Army in the 90s, new reforms are gradually finishing off the Armed Forces remaining in modern Russia. They destroy military science, military education, military medicine. They are also trying to interrupt the historical traditions of our Army. The "reform" of the Suvorov schools is one of the evidence of these attempts to destroy the "link of times".
But Russia cannot exist without a strong Army and Navy. When the current Russian hard times are over, we will have to, straining all our forces, restore the Armed Forces of the Russian state with the whole world. They must become the great Russian Army again. It is possible to do this only based on the precepts of the Russian Archangel. In Science to Win, Suvorov left us the main advice for all time: “Pray to God; victory from Him! " And the firm conviction of the great commander: "Unbelievers to teach an army is to sharpen rusty iron." Suvorov, who did not know a single defeat, in his life proved the Christian truth - "invincible he who conquered himself."
Suvorov's miracle heroes were firmly convinced that their beloved commander was able to beg for victory. They believed in his words: “Our God is our voivode! He leads us! The soldiers saw how, before each battle, Suvorov fervently prays to God. There was a story in the troops about how once, Alexander Vasilyevich, sitting on a horse, prayed for a long time, according to his custom before the battle, silently peering into the sky. When a soldier asked what he saw in the sky, the commander ordered the soldier to stand up in his stirrup. And, Suvorov showed a soldier in the heavens of angels singing glory. And, heavenly crowns over the Russian columns descend on the heads of those who are destined to die in battle. “I pray for them,” said Suvorov to the soldier. After the battle, Suvorov was always present at the funeral service and funeral service, seeing off the killed soldiers and officers with prayer.
It is known how, before the start of the most difficult and stubborn battle on the Kinburg Spit, Suvorov did not interrupt the service in the regimental church, despite the alarming reports that the Turks were already landing numerous troops. Until the Divine Liturgy was completed, Suvorov did not stop praying and did not give the order to join the battle. In the battle, the Ottomans were utterly defeated.
At the beginning of the common prayer, Suvorov himself read the Lord's Prayer "Our Father" before the formation of the regiments. The soldiers felt Suvorov's prayer. And the whole army tried to imitate the beloved commander. The suburb of Warsaw, Prague, was fortified and fenced in with wolf pits. The assault began at night. Before the battle, at midnight, all the soldiers, led by officers, gathered at the company icons, before which they lighted up the lamps and prayed on knees. "We are all like a crown" - says the old grenadier, a participant in the battle "put on clean linen and waited to fulfill the will of A. V. Suvorov." The company commander addressed the soldiers with Suvorov's words: “Listen, children, we, as Christians, as Russians, need to pray to the Lord God for victory over our enemies. Yes, make peace with everyone. It will be our way, in Russian. " After the prayer, the old Suvorov officer gives the last instructions: “Hear children, remember God in a fight. It is in vain not to kill the enemy. They are the same people. " The entire Russian army prayed that night together with their commander. The Suvorov grenadier told how in the morning after the victory, the soldiers carefully made their way between six rows of terrible wolf pits and could not understand how at night, during a swift attack, no one fell into the traps.
The soldiers believed in Suvorov's perspicacity, in the fact that "God's planis is open" to the beloved commander. During the hardest, most stubborn battle with the French on the Trebia River, at a decisive moment, Suvorov jumped off his horse, fell down on the ground and prayed to God. A few minutes later, standing up, he gave orders, after which the Russians broke the enemy.
Among the soldiers there were stories about how the Heavenly Forces kept Suvorov from the assassination attempts of the assassins sent by the enemies. It is reliably known how in Switzerland, a cook bribed by the French several times at dinner brought a poisoned dish to Suvorov, but Alexander Vasilyevich silently, for a long time and intently looked into his eyes until the cook removed this dish.
It was said that in the most difficult moments of the battles, a mysterious horseman in light robes and a red cloak appeared next to Suvorov, the Russian forces doubled, and the enemy was broken. Who was this mysterious horseman, an angel of God, or a holy warrior-martyr in a red cloak? Or maybe the rider's cloak was the princely basket of the faithful prince Alexander Nevsky, the patron saint of Alexander Suvorov?
In the German war, the battalion of the Fanagori regiment, beloved by Suvorov, was surrounded. All officers were killed, the command was taken over by a young lieutenant. With the battalion was the regimental banner of the glorious Fanagoria regiment. Before going into the last battle, the Phanagorians prayed fervently, and at the unfolded banner many were honored to see Suvorov. The Germans could not withstand the fierce Russian bayonet attack, the battalion made its way out of the encirclement and saved the regiment's banner. The sentries testified that at night Suvorov was twice seen at the coffin of the deceased lieutenant. A poem to this miraculous phenomenon of the commander, "Suvorov Banner", was dedicated by a Russian officer, a participant in the war with the Germans, Arseny Ivanovich Nesmelov.
In Russia, it is customary to say "the end is the crown of the work." The Holy Fathers believed: "How a person lives is important, but it is also important how he will die." The great commander, beloved by all of Russia, endures disgrace with the greatest patience and humility. Not remembering the insult, as Ilya Muromets in the epics, again follows the call of the Tsar to fight for the Fatherland. He crowns his life with the feat of the Italian company, in which there were 75 killed French soldiers for every killed Russian soldier, and the great Swiss campaign. Alexander Vasilyevich finishes his earthly journey, pouring out everything that he has collected in his heart over many decades of wars and battles, glorious victories and love of the people, royal opals and royal mercy, in the "Canon of the penitent Savior and our Lord Jesus Christ." Despite the protests of doctors, Suvorov passes his last Great Lent with this severity, does not miss services, sings in the kliros, reads in the temple, and makes countless bows to the ground. Before his death, having confessed and partaking of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, Suvorov, having said goodbye to everyone, says: "I have been chasing glory for a long time - everything is a dream, peace of mind at the throne of the Most High."
All of St. Petersburg saw off Suvorov on his last journey. When the hearse approached the gates of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, confusion arose, the hearse was large, and the gates were low, they decided that the hearse with a canopy would not work. But, the old Suvorov soldier, the grenadier non-commissioned officer cried out: “Suvorov will not pass? Suvorov walked everywhere, will pass here too! Come on, brothers, take it! And the hearse with the body of the beloved commander, supported by the hands of the people, inexplicably passed through the gate of the Lavra.
The funeral liturgy was performed by Vladyka Ambrose. Nobody spoke the gravestone words during parting. Only the chorus of court singers sang the 90th psalm "Alive in the help of the Most High, in the roof of the Heavenly God will settle …", and when the coffin was lowered, the thunder of cannon volleys rang out - Russian cannons said goodbye to the great commanders.
In the Annunciation Church of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, near the left choir, on the tombstone, words are engraved, to which nothing needs to be added - "Here lies Suvorov."
"And now when the Russian regiments go to battle, he says a prayer about them, they sing about him."
Respect and love for Suvorov remained in the hearts of all who loved Russia and who cherished the glory of Russian arms. Not only the common people understood that Alexander Vasilyevich was a "warrior of Christ". Archimandrite Leonid (Kavelin), abbot of the New Jerusalem Monastery, loved A. S. Tsurikov's poem "Grandfather Suvorov". The poem contains surprisingly accurate lines:
The gift of victory is God's gift!
We need to pray to God
I need to sober up my heart
To strike the enemy.
…… …… …… …..
The strength of the army is not in the masses
Not in warlike outfits
Strength in spirit and hearts!
……. …… ……..
Wonderworker-voivode
I didn’t expect a hike, -
Took victory in heaven.
Husband did the truth without noise
I thought deeply into God -
And glorified in miracles.
…. …… ….. ……
Life is an exemplary monk, Spiritually clean from all filth, Therefore, we are invincible!
He went from the temple to the battle, From the battle again to prayer, Like God's cherub.
…… ……. …… …..
In 1840, in the "Notes of the Fatherland" was published a poem by I. P. Klyushnikov about Suvorov, which ends with the confidence that Alexander Vasilyevich, after the end of his earthly journey, continues to pray for the Russian Army:
And now that the battle
Russian regiments are marching
He makes a prayer for them -
They sing about him.
Suvorov's biographer A. F. Petrushevsky recorded a folk legend in which it is said that Suvorov, like the Svyato-Russian heroes, sleeps in a dense forest, in a stone cave, with his gray head bowed on a stone ledge. Through a small hole, the light of an inextinguishable lamp is visible in the cave, a prayer commemoration to the prince of God's servant Alexander is heard. The legend says that in a terrible time for the Russian land, the great Russian knight will wake up, leave his tomb and save the Fatherland from adversity.
On the icon of the holy righteous warrior invincible admiral Theodore Ushakov, there is an inscription on the scroll: "Do not despair, these formidable storms will serve to the glory of Russia." For the inscription on the icon of the holy righteous warrior, the invincible Generalissimo Alexander Suvorov, many words of the great commander can be chosen: “For the Most Pure Lady Theotokos! For the House of Our Lady!”,“We are Russians - God is with us!”,“Pray to God; from Him victory! Miracle-heroes, God leads us - He is our general! " The inscription from Suvorov's dying admonition is also suitable: “Be a Christian; God knows what to give and when."
In the Suvorov schools since 1944, under the portraits of Suvorov, it was customary to write the words of his will: "I ask my offspring to take my example." But completely the words of Alexander Vasilyevich sound like this:
“I ask my offspring to follow my example; to start every business with the blessing of God; to be loyal to the Tsar and the Fatherland until exhaustion; avoid luxury, idleness, greed, and seek glory through truth and virtue, which are my symbols."
Of course, in Soviet times, they could not afford to teach future officers "to start every business with the blessing of God" and to remember loyalty to the "Sovereign and the Fatherland."
The Russian Army has many heavenly patrons - holy warriors. But the spiritual heritage of Suvorov in the XXI century is no less expensive and important for us than in the XIX and XX centuries. And, perhaps, given the current position of Russia in the world, it becomes vital.
But, in our days, all of Suvorov's instructions are extremely important not only for officers and soldiers of the Russian army, but also for every Orthodox Christian. Russian soldiers need firm faith and hope in the God of Suvorov's miraculous heroes. And shouldn't we all imitate Alexander Vasilyevich's striving for moral purity and active, selfless service to God, the Tsar and the Fatherland? Shouldn't we all make efforts to restore in Russia the Christian statehood that Suvorov defended? For Suvorov, loyalty to the Tsar, God's Anointed One, was inseparable from loyalty to Christ the Savior.
Suvorov wrote: “A good name is the belonging of every honest person, but I have concluded a good name in the glory of my Fatherland, and all my deeds tended towards its prosperity. Never self-esteem, often obedient to the impulses of passing passions, did not govern my actions. I forgot myself where it was necessary to think about the benefits of the common”.
Is not Suvorov's example of active service to the Fatherland needed today by Russia? After all, what to hide, often we, Orthodox Christians, live only for ourselves and our loved ones. Alexander Vasilyevich's reproach sounds not only to some of Suvorov's contemporaries: "Let's forget about the common cause, we will start thinking about ourselves - this is the whole virtue of a secular person."
Recently, Orthodox Christians have often been indoctrinated with the image of false repentance and a kind of dull "humility." Some "theologians" assert that Russia is "to blame for everyone", and we need to "repent before everyone and ask everyone for forgiveness" - this will be, it turns out, "genuine Christianity." Others call, in the "last times", which have already come in their opinion, to save the "remnant of the faithful" in the forests.
It is very important for us today, instead of false humility and Tolstoy's non-resistance to evil, to acquire the fighting and victorious spirit of the great Russian commander "Christ's Warrior - Suvorov".
All Russia must hear with their hearts and believe the words of Suvorov, said when the army was trapped in impassable mountains, all around there were numerous and powerful enemies, and it seemed there could be no way out: “God have mercy! We are Russians! Let's smash the enemy! And the victory over him, and the victory over deceit; there will be a victory!"
"The Canon to the Savior and Our Lord Jesus Christ" compiled by Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov ends with the words:
“Behold, I offer You, Lord, Your Most Pure Mother and everyone who has pleased You from time immemorial. You can have them with their prayers. Accept their intercession for me unworthy.
We no longer breathe, that more to mend thee: Thy am I and save me"
Many pastors and Orthodox Christians do not doubt that the great commander and Christian who wrote these lines, together with those who have pleased God, has the boldness to intercede for our Fatherland and for us sinners, and prays fervently for the Russian Army, beloved by him.
It is no coincidence that the glorious naval commander, righteous warrior, invincible admiral Theodor Ushakov was the first in the III millennium by our Church to be canonized. The Russian Fleet received a heavenly patron. We hope that the Russian Army, among the host of holy warriors and noble princes, will be able to prayerfully call upon the holy righteous warrior, the invincible commander Alexander Suvorov.
And, perhaps, we will see how in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, in the church where the holy relics of the blessed prince Alexander Nevsky, will be solemnly transferred and the holy relics of the righteous warrior named after the holy prince, saint of God Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov, the Russian Archangel.
