November 26 — St. George's Cross Day: history and traditions

St. George's Cross Day is celebrated annually in Russia on November 26, a holiday dedicated to the highest military award of the Russian Empire and modern Russia. In 2025, it falls on a Wednesday. Izvestia tells about the history of the order and shares interesting facts about it.

St. George's Cross Day in 2025 — the history of the holiday

The Order of St. George was established by Empress Catherine II on November 26, 1769. According to the ruler's plan, this award was to become not just a sign of the monarch's favor, but also a unifying symbol for the bravest warriors of the empire. The first recipient of the Order of the 1st degree was the Empress herself.

In 1807, by decree of Alexander I, the "Insignia of the Military Order" was established — an award for lower ranks (soldiers and non-commissioned officers), which received the unofficial name "soldier's George". Officers could not receive this insignia, but had the right to wear it on their uniforms if they were awarded it before being commissioned.

In the entire history of the Russian Empire, the "George" of the highest category was awarded only 25 times. Count Peter Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky became the first cavalier after Catherine II in 1770. He received the honorary award for his victory in the Battle of Cahul in 1770 (the Russian-Turkish War of 1768-1774). The last knight of the order during the imperial period was in 1877, Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich Sr., the third son of Nicholas I.

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After the 1917 revolution, the order was abolished, but in 2000 it was restored as Russia's highest military award, retaining four degrees.

In modern Russia, the St. George's Cross is awarded to soldiers, sailors, sergeants and petty officers, ensigns and midshipmen, as well as junior officers. The Order is awarded for exploits and distinctions in repelling external aggression, as well as for participation in hostilities on the territory of other countries. The military personnel who showed courage during the conflict in South Ossetia in 2008 were the first to be awarded after the revived award.

Traditions of St. George's Cross Day celebrations on November 26

In honor of St. George's Cross Day, various educational and commemorative events are held throughout the country. Museums organize thematic exhibitions and guided tours dedicated to the history of the award and its recipients. Libraries hold interactive classes and lectures where they talk about the military traditions of the Russian army.

Special attention is paid to working with young people. In some regions, meetings of children and teenagers with active military personnel and veterans are organized. Historical quizzes and thematic lessons in schools are also popular.

Interesting facts about the Order of St. George

On St. George's Cross Day, Izvestia collected some interesting facts about the highest military award of the Russian Federation.

In the Russian Empire, the Order of St. George, among other privileges, gave the right to receive nobility. Officers of non-noble origin could use it, and in the future the title could be inherited. In addition, the knights of the order were exempt from corporal punishment.

For the ceremonial receptions on the occasion of the award of the Order of St. George, a special service was used, made in 1778 by order of Catherine II. The last such reception took place on November 26, 1916.

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From 1844 to 1913, the Russian Empire had a special design of the Order of St. George for Muslims, which instead of St. George the Victorious depicted the national emblem — a black double-headed eagle. It was approved by Nicholas I in 1844 during the Caucasian War. Major Jamov-bek Kaitakhsky was the first to receive such an award. At the same time, according to the memoirs of that time, some Caucasians wondered why they were given "a cross with a bird, and not with a horseman."

Catherine II was not the only female recipient of the Order of St. George. Besides her, three other women were awarded this award. The first of them was the famous cavalryman Nadezhda Durova, who served in the Russian troops in Austria in 1806-1807. In 1860, the award was given to the Queen of the two Sicilies, Maria Sofia Amelia, who managed to rally the defenders of the besieged fortress of Gaeta. Another recipient of the order was Sister of Mercy Rimma Ivanova, who joined the Navy in 1915 under her male name, and then continued her service under her real name. For her courage in rescuing the wounded, she received two St. George Crosses.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of the Day of Rocket Troops and Artillery.