In Russia's Leningrad Oblast, in the vicinity of Saint Petersburg, a new memorial complex dedicated to the 800th anniversary of the holy prince, Saint Alexander Nevsky, was opened on December 22.

The bronze composition called “Prayer Before Battle” is centered around the figure of the prince. Behind him on a stone pedestal is the image of Christ the Savior, from the icon of the Savior "Not Made by Hands". The monument got the name "Prayer Before Battle" because it is built on the site where, according to tradition, the great prince Alexander Nevsky prayed before the Battle of the Neva.

The prince was 19 years old when he received news that a detachment of Swedes has landed on the banks of the Neva river. Together with his soldiers, many of whom were younger than him, they decided not to wait for reinforcements, and to attack the enemy even though their detachment was small. Before the battle, the prince prayed in the famous Sablinsky caves, which are now located under the monument.

"I would like to point to an amazing combination of statesman and saint in the personality of the prince," said Bishop Mitrophan of Gatchina and Luga. "In his life, Alexander Nevsky was guided by the Gospel commandments, first of all, by love for one's neighbor. He followed the commandment and was blessed by God. And it is a great happiness for our Motherland to have such a saint in the history of our country. In this great man, holiness and service to his country were intertwined."

The monument is located in the center of a five-hectare park, in the form of an Orthodox cross. The form of the Cross is highlighted by illumination. There are benches, lamps, and floodlights on the territory. Birch trees and cotoneaster bushes are planted along the footpaths, and a pedestrian bridge has been built across the stream.