Gavrila Oleksich

Dates of birth and death unknown. Gavrila Oleksich was the first of six “strong and very brave men” of Prince Alexander Nevsky who particularly distinguished themselves in a battle with the Swedes on the Neva River in 1240. Gavrila Oleksich pursued the Swedish commander Birger to his ship, was thrown into the water with his horse, but surfaced, boarded the ship again, and joined the battle.