Order of St. George

The Order of St. George the Triumphant, Imperial Russian and current Russian Order (decoration).

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Full title Military Order of the Saint Grand Martyr and the Triumphant George (in Russian Voyenny Orden Sviatogo Velikomuchenika i Pobedonostsa Georgia - Военный Орден Св. Великомученика и Победоносца Георгия).

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This order was established in Russian Empire on November 26, 1769 by Catherine the Great and had four degrees. It was abolished after the Russian Revolution, but was re-established on August 8, 2000 by the government of the Russian Federation (presidential decree number 1463).

Related Topics:
Russian Empire - November 26 - 1769 - Catherine the Great - Russian Revolution - August 8 - 2000 - Russian Federation

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It is the highest military award of the Russian Federation, the highest decoration of all (military and civilian) being the Order of St. Andrew. "Hero of the Russian Federation" is on the other hand the highest title, marked by the award of a corresponding medal. However, the Order of St. George remains the most exclusive: only four people have been awarded the 1st rank of the Order, and even the Emperors Alexander I, Alexander II and Nicholas II were only cavaliers of the 4th grade.

Related Topics:
Russian Federation - Order of St. Andrew - Hero of the Russian Federation - Title - Medal - Alexander I - Alexander II - Nicholas II

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The decoration of the Order of St. George has to be worn in a special way in accordance with its class (i.e. higher than any other decoration other than the Order of St. Andrew), and the insignia of the order includes:

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Cross: A white enamelled cross pattée with a central disc bearing the image of St. George on horseback slaying the dragon. Worn on a sash by the first degree, on a necklet by the second and third degrees, and on a chest ribbon by the fourth degree.

Related Topics:
St. George - Dragon

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Star: A four-pointed gold star with the crowned cipher of St. George at the centre surrounded by the motto of the order "For Service and Bravery" ("Za Sluzhbu i Khrabrost"). Worn on the left chest by the first and second degrees.

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Ribbon: orange with three black stripes (symbolising fire and gunpowder: the Russian "colors of military glory", also the colors of the Russian Guard units).

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Eligibility: military officers and generals only, for the display of highest valour and skills in the face of an exterior enemy. Non-commissioned officers and rank-and-file may receive the Cross of St. George, also in four degrees worn on a chest ribbon. Normally a person initially received the fourth degree, and would gradually be promoted to higher degrees for subsequent acts of bravery.

Related Topics:
Non-commissioned officers - Cross of St. George

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