What does the Motherland reward? Discover the heroic deeds of individuals by recognizing their medals and orders.

How do you measure love for your homeland? By the beats of your heart per second when you enter the yard where you were born? Or by the sacrifices made while defending it? By the children you raised for it? Or is it immeasurable?

And how can we quantify the homeland's love in return? It definitely exists, but you can't touch it. However, the signs of gratitude from the country towards its citizens can sometimes be seen, weighed in your hands, and even pinned to a jacket. These are state awards — orders and medals.

Recently, the "Komsomolskaya Pravda," on the eve of its 100th anniversary (which we will celebrate on May 24, 2025), was awarded the Order of Honor by the homeland. "For merits in the development of mass media and many years of fruitful activity," the presidential decree states. And, of course, this is fantastic, and we are very proud of it. This is already the sixth order on the cover of "Komsomolka," more than any other media outlet. The previous five orders were awarded during the USSR — for the first shock five-year plans, for feats in the Great Patriotic War, for Komsomol construction projects. Notably, the Order of Lenin No. 1 was awarded to our newspaper.

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Order of Honor. Photo: Valery Sharifulin/TASS

What other orders does the country currently award for distinguished service?

We explored the Russian award system. It turned out to be not only extensive but also drawing from both Soviet and imperial times, while also incorporating many new elements.

HEROES OF OUR TIME

The highest state award in modern Russia, just like in the Soviet Union, is the title of Hero with the awarding of the Gold Star. The design has changed — it is now tricolored, like the Russian flag. However, the Star remains the same — made of 950 gold and weighing 21.5 grams.

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Hero of the Soviet Union and Hero of Russia, polar explorer Arthur Chilingarov.

Photo: Vladimir Velenhurin. Go to the Komsomolskaya Pravda Photo Bank

There are not many Heroes of Russia — about 1,500 across the country. A third of them are heroes from the two Chechen campaigns, and another third were awarded for feats in the Special Military Operation zone.

Moreover, the Star of Hero of Russia can only be received once. Therefore, one cannot adorn oneself with five stars like General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee Brezhnev today.

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General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR Leonid Brezhnev in 1982. Photo: Vladimir Musalyan/TASS

However, there are four individuals awarded with both the Russian and Soviet stars. These include cosmonauts Polyakov and Krikalev (the latter flew into space during the USSR and returned to a "different country" - Russia), military pilot Maidanov, and polar explorer Chilingarov.

Additionally, in Russia, one can become a Hero of Labor. The rays of the Labor Star are slightly thinner, and it weighs a bit less — 15.25 grams of gold. Yet, it is no less prestigious. Only 108 people have been awarded this title.

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People's Artist of the USSR Alexander Shilov, honored with the title of Hero of Labor of the Russian Federation, during the state awards ceremony at the Kremlin. Photo: Valery Sharifulin/TASS

Only one person has become both a Hero of Russia and a Hero of Labor. This is the head of the radiation and chemical protection troops, General Kirillov, who was awarded the Star for his work before the Special Military Operation, in 2021. After his death in December 2024 as a result of a terrorist attack, he was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Russia.

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Head of the radiation and chemical protection troops, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Russia. Photo: Dmitry Kharichkov/press service of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation/TASS

Heroes are entitled to monthly indexed payments — about 100,000 rubles (70,000 for Heroes of Labor) and other benefits.

EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH

The main order of the country today is the Order of Andrew the First-Called (like the saint patron of Russia), established by Peter the Great. Lenin abolished it, and Yeltsin restored it.

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The insignia of the Order of Saint Andrew the First-Called with a small order chain and the star of the Order of Saint Andrew the First-Called. Photo: Wikipedia

This order is very rare! And it's clear why — it is awarded "for exceptional merits that contribute to the prosperity and glory of Russia." Only 27 people have been honored with the Order of Andrew the First-Called throughout its history. Notably, writer Solzhenitsyn refused to accept this order from Yeltsin. "I cannot accept an award from the supreme power that has brought Russia to its current disastrous state," he declared. Interestingly, Solzhenitsyn previously declined an award from Gorbachev but accepted a state award from Putin.

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Meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin with writer Alexander Solzhenitsyn in 2000. Photo by Vladimir Rodionov and Sergey Velichkin (ITAR-TASS)

Another interesting fact is that only one person has been awarded this order with the depiction of swords, meaning — for military merits. This award appeared on Shoigu's uniform after the reunification of Crimea with Russia.

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May 2018. Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Sergey Shoigu during the Victory Day celebrations in Red Square. Photo: Maxim Blinov/POOL/TASS

Photo: Vladimir Velenhurin. Go to the Komsomolskaya Pravda Photo Bank

The Order of Andrew the First-Called comes with a silver chain, covered in gold and enamel, and a silver star of 925 purity.

THE MAIN MILITARY

The highest military state award is the Order of Saint George. Established by Catherine the Great, restored by Yeltsin, but it was only awarded starting in 2008, during the "five-day war" with Georgia. This order is as rare as the Order of Andrew the First-Called, with only about 30 people having been awarded it. It is given only to military leaders for successful operations against external enemies (not to be confused with the George Cross, which is awarded to soldiers and sergeants). It has four degrees, and so far, no one has received the first degree. For instance, the Chief of the General Staff Gerasimov holds two George awards — the 3rd and 4th degrees.

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Among the recipients of the Order of Saint George is Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Army General Valery Gerasimov. Photo: Mikhail Metzel/TASS

The first-degree cross is made of gold, while the others are made of silver.