On 13 December 2005, the 13th Awards Ceremony of the International Prize of St. Andrew "for Faith and Loyalty" took place in the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow. Nine persons were awarded this prize in 2005, among them Mikhail Borisovich Piotrovsky, Director of the State Hermitage, who was cited "for selfless work to preserve, develop and expand the national culture."

The International Prize of St. Andrew was established in 1992 and is traditionally awarded in the State Kremlin Palace on St Andrew’s Day. The Prize of St Andrew "for Faith and Loyalty" is a symbol of recognition by society for services to the Fatherland. The criterion for the prize is an outstanding contribution to the strengthening of the Russian state, to unity among the Slavic peoples, the alliance of states friendly with Russia, and the rebirth of spirituality.

The laureates of the International Prize for 2005 were given their awards by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Center of Russian National Glory V.I. Yakunin; Metropolitan Vladimir of Tashkent and Central Asia; Chairman of the Jury of the International Prize of St Andrew, cosmonaut, Hero of the Soviet Union, doctor of medical science O.Yu. Atkov; and President of the St. Andrew Foundation A.V. Melnik.