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Saint Andrew the Apostle Award
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Russia’s highest civilian honour, the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, for promoting strategic partnership and friendly relations between Russia and India.
About Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle Award:
- Russia’s highest civilian honour. Established by Tsar Peter the Great in 1698.
- Abolished in 1918 after the Russian Revolution, re-established in 1998 by an Executive Order of the President of Russia.
- Award Criteria: Given to prominent figures in government, military, science, culture, art, and various sectors for exceptional services to Russia, and to foreign state heads for outstanding services to the Russian Federation.
- Historical Significance:
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- Named after Saint Andrew, one of the apostles of Jesus.
- Saint Andrew is believed to have travelled to Russia, Greece, and other parts of Europe and Asia, founding the Church of Constantinople.
- The Russian Orthodox Church, followed by more than 90 million people in Russia, traces its roots to Saint Andrew.
- Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Russia and Scotland.
- The ‘X’ symbol on the flag of Scotland comes from Saint Andrew’s symbol, the ‘Saltire’.
- It is believed that Saint Andrew was crucified on a cross of similar shape.
- Design of the Order:
- The chain consists of 17 alternating links.
- Features a gilded image of the State Emblem of the Russian Federation, a double-headed eagle.
- Includes a badge, a star, and a light blue silk moire ribbon.
- For distinction in combat, the badge and star are adorned with swords.
- Other foreign leaders: include Chinese President Xi Jinping (2017) and former President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev.
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Highest Honours Announced on Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
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