History

Originally the highest Order of Chivalry in the Russian Empire, this Order was later discontinued by the USSR. It was later re-instituted as the most prestigious Russian Order by the Russian Federation in 1998.

It is awarded to Russian citizens and foreign Heads of State for promoting the nation.

Unlike its earlier incarnation, there are no strict regulations regarding the Order's wearing.

The obverse Russian inscription translates to: "For Faith and Faithfulness".