Russia, Imperial. An Orthodox Society Of Palestine Decoration, Ii Class

(Русское Православное Общество Палестины). Instituted in 1882. In silver gilt, marked with St. Petersburg City mark, silver standard marked "84" zolotniki (.875 silver) and maker marked in Russian "И.О" (I.O) on the ring, the text inscribed in Russian on both sides, obverse illustrating the monogram of Christ between the Greek letters Alpha and Omega and inscribed "The God of Zion Will Bless You and Be With You", reverse inscribed "I Will Not Be Silent on Behalf of Zion or Quiet About Jerusalem", measuring 42.2 mm (w) x 51.8 mm (h), very light contact, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Russian Orthodox Society of Palestine was founded on May 8, 1882 by Vasily Khitrovo. It was a scholarly organization for the study of the Middle East, the purpose of which was to gather information on Orthodox saints, to aid pilgrims going to Jerusalem and to aid Russian Orthodox institutions in Palestine. The badge was issued in three classes. In 1918, following the Russian Revolution, the society was renamed the Russian Palestine Society.