Order of Saint Olga

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The Order of Saint Olga existed briefly as a decoration for women from 1916 to 1917. It was awarded by the Russian Tsar only to women, but ceased with the fall of the Romanov dynasty.

The award's title refers to Saint Olga († 969), who was among those who first proclaimed the Gospel to the people of Kievan Rus. She paved the way for the country's conversion to Christianity, which took place in 998 under her grandson, St. Vladimir, Equal to the Apostles.

Currently, the Moscow Patriarchate awards the Order of Saint Olga, Equal of the Apostles, again as a decoration for women. The First Class of this order is awarded only to women who are heads of state. The first woman to be presented with the award in this class was Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the President of Latvia.

There was also an Order of St Olga and St Sophia awarded by the Kingdom of Greece as a Royal House order in four classes:

  • Grand Cross—with Riband (sash) and Star
  • Second Class—with Bow and Star
  • Third Class—with Bow
  • Fourth Class—with Bow

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