Nicholas II

Nicholas II in the news – Winter 2026

Please note that the articles provided (by links) are for information purposes
only, they do not reflect the opinion of the administrator of this blog – PG

Russia’s last Emperor and Tsar Nicholas II, his family, the Romanov dynasty and the history of Imperial Russia, continue to be the subject of books, exhibitions and documentaries. In addition, the continue to generate headlines in the media.

The following articles were published by English-language media services, in January, February and March 2026. Click on the title [highlighted in red] below and follow the link to read each respective article:

The life of Peter the Great in paintings + PHOTOS

He carried the French king in his arms, condemned his own son to death and saved entire ships during bad weather… See how Russian and foreign artists depicted the most important events in the life of Russia’s first emperor.

Source: Gateway to Russia. 30 March 2026

What did a remonteur do in Tsarist Russia? + PHOTOS

Nikolai Rostov, one of the characters in Leo Tolstoy’s ‘War and Peace’, was sent on a business trip to Voronezh “to procure supplies for the division”. Where did he go and why?

Source: Gateway to Russia. 29 March 2026

Who was blamed for the imperial train crash? + PHOTOS

In October 1888, Alexander III was returning from a trip to the Caucasus. His family, ministers and courtiers were all traveling with him on the train. Near the Borki Station on the Kursk-Kharkov-Azov Railway, the train derailed and crashed.

Source: Gateway to Russia. 23 February 2026

What Russia was like in 1916 + PHOTOS

World War I, the murder of Grigori Rasputin and everyday life in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg). Check out how the Russian Empire lived and what it looked like in the last year of its existence, exactly 110 years ago.

Source: Gateway to Russia. 15 February 2026

Ukraine removing fresco of Royal Martyrs from church built by Tsar Nicholas II

Ukrainian authorities and the schismatic “Orthodox Church of Ukraine” have agreed to remove a fresco of the Royal Martyrs from the Holy Dormition Cathedral in Vladimir, which was recently stolen from the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Source: Orthodox Christianity. 10 February 2026

What Russia was like in 1906 + 18 PHOTOS

The First State Duma, agrarian reform, revolutionary riots and other events. This is how the Russian Empire lived and looked like 120 years ago.

Source: Gateway to Russia. 7 February 2026

7 facts about Empress Anna Ioannovna + PHOTOS

She occupied the Russian throne for only 10 years. However, during this time, she managed to instill in her courtiers a love of luxury and prevented the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.

Source: Gateway to Russia. 7 February 2026

How did Nicholas II & Anton Chekhov end up in Sri Lanka? + PHOTOS

This island was an important point of transit for those who traveled to Asia from Europe at the turn of the 20th century. Many famous people passed through it, from Arthur Conan Doyle to Mark Twain, including iconic Russian figures.

Source: Gateway to Russia. 30 January 2026

How a close associate of Nicholas II’s family became a Soviet comedic actor + PHOTOS

Grigory Pinkovsky (Georgy Svetlani, 1895-1983) was a man of remarkable destiny. He starred in dozens of Soviet comedies, including the cult classic ‘Kidnapping, Caucasian Style’ (1967). Interestingly, he was also close to the imperial family as a child.

Source: Gateway to Russia. 23 January 2026

How the first PET cemetery appeared in Tsarist Russia + PHOTOS

Members of the Russian imperial family loved animals and often kept domesticated dogs, cats and birds near them. They were also buried nearby.

Source: Gateway to Russia. 23 January 2026

Where in Russia did monarchs LOVE to travel? + PHOTOS

Distances are never an obstacle. Especially, if you’re speeding nonstop. Or traveling in the company of ministers and kings of other countries. Read about the travels of Peter the Great. Catherine II, Alexander I, Nicholas I and Alexander III.

Source: Gateway to Russia. 19 January 2026

From the Sea to the Tsar’s Table: Oysters in the Russian Empire + PHOTOS

While working through the Russian History Mmuseum’s porcelain collection, Anastasia Shteinert, Michael Perekrestov came across a peculiar dish that prompted a deep dive into a little-known chapter in the culinary and industrial history of the Russian Empire.

The piece that launched this gastronomic exploration? A shell-shaped porcelain dish from the coronation service of Alexander III, rimmed with gold and decorated with a black Imperial eagle.

Its sole purpose? Serving a very specific delicacy: shucked oysters.

Source: Russian History Museum 16 January 2026

Russian Geographical Society issues new edition of Nicholas II’s journey to the Far East

Posted on 3 Days Ago by Paul Gilbert

Earlier this week, a new Russian-language edition of a book dedicated to the 1890-91 Far East journey of the future Emperor Nicholas II, was published by the Russian Geographical Society. The three-volume set of books was presented to business circles, diplomats’ and journalists at the Russian House in Bangkok, Thailand.

The original three-volume “Journey to the East of His Imperial Highness the Sovereign Heir Tsesarevich Nicholas” was created by the orientalist and member of the Russian Geographical Society Prince Esper Esperovich Ukhtomsky (1861-1921), who accompanied Nicholas on his nine month journey.

PHOTO: Prince Esper Esperovich Ukhtomsky (1861-1921)

Recall that on 5th November (O.S. 23rd October) 1890, Tsesarevich and Grand Duke Nicholas Alexandrovich [future Emperor Nicholas II] embarked on a journey, which took him around the greater part of the Eurasian continent. The total length of the journey exceeded 51,000 kilometres, including 15,000 km of railway and 22,000 km of sea routes.

The map below depicts the Eastern journey of the future and last Tsar of Russia, which took him to Egypt, India, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Singapore, Batavia (Jakarta, Dutch East Indies) Siam (Thailand), Saigon (French Indochina), Hong Kong, China, and Japan. It was during his visit to the Empire of Japan, that Nicholas was the target of a failed assassination attempt in Otsu.

On his return to Russia, Nicholas took part in opening ceremony of the Trans-Siberian Railway in Vladivostock. He then made his way across the Russian Empire, through Transbaikalia and Siberiam before arriving back in St. Petersburg on 17th August [O.S. 4th August] 1891.

During the nine month journey, Ukhtomsky kept a travel diary, recording daily the places and landmarks visited, meetings with kings, princes and government officials as well as historical and cultural research, including geographical and ethnographic observations. His vivid essays about the countries and peoples of the East at the end of the 19th century make a fascinating read.

The original Russian-languaged edition of the book was published in three volumes between 1893 and 1897 and brought the author all-Russian fame.

An English-language edition was also published in 1896. Volume One of Travels in the East Nicholas II Emperor of Russia when cesarewitch 1890-1891 is available to read online.

The republication of Nicholas II’s journey to the Far East is timed to coincide with the 135th anniversary of the visit of Tsesarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich to Siam in 1891,” – said Anastasia Timofeeva, Advisor to the Department of Expert, Analytical and International Activities of the Russian Geographical Society.

“The Tsesarevich’s’s journey became symbolic of the beginning of friendly relations between Russia and Thailand. It was during his visit to Siam, that the heir to the Russian throne was awarded the Most Illustrious Order of the Royal House of Chakri. In turn, the King of Siam Chulalongkorn (1853-1910) was presented with the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle First-Called. This helped to establish a trusting dialogue between the two countries. Today, the republication of this historic book, continues the joint historical and cultural heritage which helps to strengthen relations between the business and cultural circles of Russia and Thailand.,” she added.

There are plans to produce a Thai-lanaguage edition of the book, of which copies will be presented to both the National Library of Thailand and the Siam Society Under Royal Patronage.

PHOTOS: an exhibition dedicated to the history of the dynastic friendship between the Russian Imperial House and the Royal House of Chakri (the ruling dynasty in Thailand, was preparted for the presentation of the book

The republished book about the travels of Nicholas II to the East presents 700 illustrations that were handmade by the Russian military officer, painter and writer Nikolai Nikolaevich Karazin (1842-1908).

In addition, the book is illustrated with photographs of Vladimir Dmitrievich Mendeleev (1865-1898), the son of an outstanding Russian chemist.

In the book, you can find sketches and testimonies about Siam (Thailand), which allows a modern reader to see the country through the eyes of the expedition participants.

The updated edition of this publication is supplemented with name and geographical indications and a map of the journey. This makes the publication accessible to both researchers and a wide range of readers.

PHOTO: guests lead through the pages of the book Nicholas II’s journey to Far East

During the presentation, the organizers prepared an exhibition dedicated to the history of the dynastic friendship between the Russian Imperial House and the Royal House of Chakri (the ruling dynasty in Thailand, which has been in power since 1782).

The presentation was followed by a gala dinner, where the cuisines of Russia and Thailand met. The chefs of the two countries prepared an unusual menu. Guests were treated to borscht with coconut milk and shrimp, buckwheat porridge with tree mushrooms and other authentic dishes.

The organizers of the project were Rossotrudnichestvo and the Restaurant Group of Russia, founded by Alexei and Dmitry Vasilchuk. The event was held with the partner support of the Russian Embassy in Thailand. The cuisine of Thailand was represented by chef Phi Thip Pausila (Belle), and the Russian gastronomic school was represented by Alexander Railyan.

The Church of the Saviour on the Waters to be revived in St. Petersburg

Posted on 5 Days Ago by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: the Church of the Saviour on the Waters in St. Petersburg,

On 23rd March 2026, it was announced that the Church of the Saviour on the Waters, one of the most famous lost churches of old St. Petersburg will be revived. Recall that the church was was constructed in 1910-1911 as a memorial to the sailors who died in the Battle of Tsushima during the Russian-Japanese war (1904-05). The church was destroyed by the Soviets in 1932.

The reconstruction of the Church of the Saviour on the Waters is past of a large-scale renovation of Novo-Admiralty Island.

History and Construction

The site for the construction of the church was at the end of the English Embankment, at the place where the Novo-Admiralty Canal and the Neva river meet, and not far from the Admiralty Shipyards where the ships of the Imperial Russian Navy were built. The location of the church was chosen well. Lined with white stone, it looked very beautiful from the Neva River, closing the perspective of the embankment.

In 1908, a committee was created in St. Petersburg to collect donations for the construction of the memorial church. The honorary chairman of the committee was the only female admiral of the Imperial Russian Navy, the Queen of the Hellenes / Grand Duchess Olga Konstantinovna (1851-1926).

PHOTO: construction of the church took place in 1910-11

The foundation stone of the church was laid by Bishop Nikon (Rozhdestvensky) of Vologda on 28th (O. S. 15th) May 1910, on the day marking the 5th anniversary of the Battle of Tsushima. The event was followed by a procession of the cross from the St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral. Grand Duchess Olga Konstantinovna laid the soldier’s St. George Cross in the foundation stone.

The white-stone church was built in the Neo-Russian Style, by the Russian architect Marian Marianovich Peretyatkovich (1872-1916). The two-storey church consisted of a lower church in the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and an upper one in honour of the Gethsemane Agony of Christ the Saviour. The church was designed for 300-400 parishioners.

On 10th August (28th July) 1911, the military protopresbyter Georgy Ivanovich Shavelsky (1871-1951) consecrated the lower church,in the presence of the relatives of the victims of the war. The solemn consecration of the upper church took place on 13th August (O.S. 31st July) 1911. It was attended by Emperor Nicholas II and his daughters, Queen Olga of the Hellenes / Grand Duchess Olga Konstantinovna, her brother, Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich (1858-1915), among other members of the Imperial Family.

PHOTOS: Emperor Nicholas II along with other members of Imperial family arrive for the consecration of the the Church of the Saviour on the Waters in St. Petersburg, 13th August (O.S. 31st July) 1911

Design and Interior

The church was erected in the likeness of the Vladimir-Suzdal churches of the 12th century. According to the builders, it was supposed to resurrect the wonderful traditions of ancient Russian architecture. Many famous artists participated in the decoration.

The gate led to the church, above which was a belfry and a mosaic icon of the Saviour Not Made by Hands according to a sketch by the famous Russian painter and graphic artist Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov (1848-1926). Relief doors lined with copper imitated the gates of the 13th century in the Suzdal Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin. The dome of the church was covered with golden smalt.

PHOTO: a colour view of the upper church and the mosaic
“The Saviour Walking on the Waters”

In the upper church, on the altar wall, there was a mosaic “The Saviour Walking on the Waters” made according to a sketch by the Russian painter Nikolai Aleksandrovich Bruni (1856-1935). Two mosaic icons – “Praying for the Chalice” and “Carrying the Cross” – on the pillars were made according to sketches by artists Viktor Vasnetsov and Nikolai Bruni.

The iconostasis was made in the ancient style of carved light gray stone and had two tiers. The Holy Doors were made of chased bronze. The altar curtain was the St. Andrew’s flag. Bronze choros chandeliers hung on anchor chains. The white-marble tabernacle was carved in the shape of the church itself.

The entrance to the lower church was through a narrow corridor. The low vaults of the lower church were covered with a continuous painting made by the Russian painter and graphic artist Mikhail Mikhailovich Adamovich (1884-1947), depicting the Gospel scenes and the life of the patron saint of sailors, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

The wooden two-tiered iconostasis, covered with brocade and basma, was decorated with bronze overlays. The Holy Doors were donated by the builder of the church Sergei Nikolaevich Smirnov (1877-1958) and dated to the 16th century. The Kazan icon of the Mother of God was embroidered with gold.

A covered gallery connected the church with the tower, where the maritime museum was located, and the belfry, which in turn was connected by a gallery with the clergy house.

The unique memorial church became “a symbol of a mass grave for the heroic sailors who died without burial” in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905.

The Soviet Years to the Present

The Church of the Saviour on the Waters was closed by the Bolsheviks in early 1918. For a short time, irregular services continued to be conducted without too much fuss from the authorities. In 1919, the Soviet authorities concluded an agreement with the parishioners that the building would be transferred to them, and in return, the church was ordered to pay taxes, report on donations, and maintain the building in order. The teaching of doctrine was prohibited. Failure to comply with the orders would result in arrests and imprisonment.

n December 1931, at a meeting of the Presidium of the Leningrad Soviet, it was decided “to transfer the building to the plant for scrapping using materials for construction needs.”

The Soviets wasted little time in looting the church: Icons, vestments, the Gospel, silverware and precious stones were taken during two confiscations. Some were taken to local museums. Less valuable things, such as lamps, chalices, discos – were simply melted down into metal. Some of the mosaics were saved by an employee of the Morozov Museum, and stored in the basements of the museum.

Following the pillaging and looting, the church was blown up in the spring of 1932, despite thousands of signatures collected. The clergy and some of the parishioners were repressed by the local Soviet.

PHOTO: the Church of the Saviour on the Waters
was reduced to a pile of rubble on 8th March 1932

On 27th May 1998, on the 93rd anniversary of the Battle of Tsushima, a small chapel was built on the site of the church. With the blessing of Metropolitan Vladimir of St. Petersburg and Ladoga, a foundation stone, a marble plaque with a canonical commemorative text and the St. George Cross, brought from France by the grandson of one of the builders of the Church of the Saviour on the Waters, were laid in the foundation of the new chapel.

PHOTO: members of the planning working committee meet in St. Petersburg to discuss plans for the reconstruction of the Church Savior on the Waters

Reconstruction

On 23rd March 2026, representatives of the working committee gathered at the Russian Geographical Society in St. Petersburg to discuss the project for the reconstruction of the Church of the Saviour on the Waters. Among them were representatives of the St. Petersburg clergy, descendants of the heroes of the Battle of Tsushima and historians.

The decision to revive the church was made as part of the large-scale redevelopment of the Novo-Admiralteysky Island. The Church Savior on the Waters is one of the most famous lost churches of old St. Petersburg, t was created in memory of the sailors who died during the Russo-Japanese War. The church will be restored at the expense of private philanthropists.

Nizhni Novgorod hosts lecture – “In Search of the Romanovs”

Posted on 7 Days Ago by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: Archimandrite Tikhon (Zatekin)
Abbot of the Ascension Pechersk Monastery, Nizhni Novgorod

On 22nd March 2026, members of the Russian History Club in Nizhny Novgorod attended a lecture “In Search of the Romanovs” by the abbot of the Ascension Pechersk Monastery Archimandrite Tikhon (Zatekin).

The venue for the event was the State Historical and Architectural Museum, which is today housed in the former Rukavishnikov House in Nizhny Novgorod. The beautiful 3-storey mansion was built in the 19th-century in the Classicism-style.

The lecture “In Search of the Romanovs” was dedicated to the tragic death of the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II, his family and four faithful retainers.

Archimandrite Tikhon spoke about the first and second investigations into the murder of the Imperial Family, about his acquaintance in 1986 with screenwriter Geliy Ryabov (1932-2015) and geologist Alexander Avdonin (1932-2026), who in 1979 discovered what would come to be known as the “Ekaterinburg Remains“ in Porosenkov Log.

PHOTOS: the venue for the lecture, was the magnificent Grand Hall
of the former Rukavishnikov Mansion in Nizhny Novgorod

He also talked about about his research on his 688-page Russian-language book: “I realized that this tragic event would never let me go,” Романовы: убийство, поиск, обретение’ [Romanovs: Murder, Search, published in 2022.

At the end of the lecture, Archimandrite Tikhon answered questions from the audience, and showed club members items salvaged from the Ipatiev House in Ekaterinburg, as well as original editions of the books of investigator Nikolai Sokolov (1882-1924), which were published in 1924 and 1925.

Archimandrite Tikhon then signed copies of his book Романовы: убийство, поиск, обретение’ [Romanovs: Murder, Search.

FURTHER READING ABOUT Archimandrite Tikhon

Archimandrite Tikhon (Zatekin) on the Ekaterinburg remains + PHOTOS

St. Petersburg honours memory of Nicholas II on 17th July + PHOTOS

June 1st marks 45th anniversary of discovery of the “Ekaterinburg remains” + PHOTOS

***

*As I have noted in previous posts, I support any initiative – big or small – to help keep the memory of Nicholas II and his family alive in 21st century Russia – PG

Ernst Liphart’s former studio in St. Petersburg to be auctioned

Posted on 11 Days Ago by Paul Gilbert

On 18th April 2026, the former apartment-studio of Ernst Karlovich Liphart (1847-1932) – the famous court artist of Emperor Nicholas II, will go under the hammer at the Litfond Auction House in St. Petersburg. Its price starts at 110 million rubles [$1.3 million USD].

Liphart’s heirs managed to preserve the historical layout of the apartment-studio, conceived more than 120 years ago by the painter and portraitist. Recall that during his years in the Russian capital, Liphart painted more than half a dozen portraits of Nicholas II (see below).

Located at 16 Kamennoostrovsky Prospekt, this great workshop is a real monument of architecture and art of the early 20th century. The area of the four-level apartment-studio is 150 square meters [1,614 sq. ft.].

PHOTO: Ernst Karlovich Liphart in hist St. Petersburg studio. 1914

PHOTO: a unique four-level studio-apartment that belonged to Ernst Liphart

The Art Nouveau building was built in 1906 by architect Vasily Schaub. A huge multi-meter window overlooking Austrian Square and Kamennoostrovsky Prospekt, a hall with columns, an oval office and a secluded tower with round windows – perspective buyers will not find such an apartment anywhere in St. Petersburg.

The history of the workshop on the upper floors of the apartment did not end with Liphart’s departure. Another artist, Vladimir Maksimovich Sokolov (1909-1991), lived and worked here. His works, dedicated to the theme of the struggle for peace and humanity, are now stored in the funds of the largest museums in Russia.

PHOTO: the former apartment-studio of Ernst Liphart is located
at 16 Kamennoostrovsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg

***

PHOTO: Baron Ernst Karlovich von Liphart. 1910

Baron Ernest Karlovich von Liphart (1847-1932) was a Russian painter and graphic artist who is known for his numerous portraits of E,peror Nicholas II, members of the Russian Imperial Family, and other famous Russian public figures.

He was born into a Livonian noble family on 2nd September (O.S. 21st August) 1847. His father, Baron Carl Eduard von Liphart (1808-1891), was an art connoisseur.

Initially Ernst studied painting at the Florence Academy of Fine Arts and then in Paris. From his father, he inherited a deep knowledge in the field of art history. He studied the history of painting in museums in Germany, Spain, England and Italy. From 1877 he exhibited his paintings at the Paris Salon.

Having received an order from the Russian Emperor Alexander III for two paintings on the subject of reasonable and unreasonable wives, in 1886 he brought them to St. Petersburg and remained there until his death in 1932. In 1886-1896, Liphart taught decorative painting at the Drawing School of the Imperial Society for the Encouragement of the Arts.

PHOTOS: Ernst Liphart painted more than half a dozen portraits of Nicholas II.
Source: ‘Nicholas II. Portraits‘ – published in 2021

He was very popular as a decorator and portraitist. His paintings have been preserved in many St. Petersburg mansions and palaces: Marble Palace of Grand Duke Konstaintin Konstantinovich, three decorative panels for the palace of Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich at 122 Moika, in the Derviz Mansion, in the theater of the Yusupov Palace and others.

He was a member of the Society of Watercolorists from its very foundation. From 1886 to 1896 he served as a teacher of decorative painting at the drawing school of the Imperial Society for the Encouragement of the Arts.

In 1895, during the renovation of the Hermitage Theater in the Winter Palace, Ernst Liphart developed a sketch according to which the curtain for this theater were made. n 1912 he compiled a catalogue of the collection of paintings, and from 1906 to 1929 he served as chief curator of the Hermitage Picture Gallery.

Baron Ernest Karlovich von 14th April 1932. Liphart died in Leningrad [St. Petersburg] on He was buried at the Smolensk Lutheran cemetery, the oldenst non-Orthodox cemetery in the city; the grave is not marked

Nicholas II: founder of the Russian submarine fleet

Posted on 12 Days Ago by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: the image of Emperor Nicholas II, the founder of the Russian
submarine fleet, depicted on on the Soviet submarine K-21

NOTE: this article was originally published on 19th March 2019, it has been revised and updated with additional facts and information on 19th March 2026 – PG

***

Russia marks the ‘Day of the Submariner’ on 19th March. The date was not chosen by chance – it was on this day in 1906 that Emperor Nicholas II issued a decree, on the classification of a new category of ships for the Russian Imperial Navy – submarines. .

In 2019, the Double-Headed Eagle Society honoured the memory of the founder of Russia’s first submarine fleet, by depicting his image on the Soviet submarine K-21. This honour would have the Bolsheviks and Soviets spinning in their graves!

Launched in 1939, the Soviet submarine K-21 was a K-class submarine of the Soviet Navy during World War II. In the spring of 1981, she was moved to the city of Polyarny, Murmansk Oblast to be converted into a museum ship. After renovations, she was eventually moved to Severomorsk, Russia. The museum was opened in 1983. In the late 1990s, the boat underwent some general repairs. From 2008 to 2009, the museum was further renovated.

Emperor Nicholas II receives the report of the commander of Russia’s first combat-capable submarine «Дельфин» [Delphin], Captain Mikhail Nikolaevich Beklemishev (1858-1936) at the Baltic Shipyard. St. Petersburg, 1903.

PHOTO: Emperor Nicholas II inspecting the submarine «Нарвал» [Narval]. The battleship «Император Александр III» Emperor Alexander III can be seen in the background. St. Petersburg, 1915

Many historians and writers continue to argue that Nicholas II was “not a progressive Tsar”, and yet his record of reforms speaks for itself. For instance, not only was Nicholas II a naval enthusiast, he played a significant role in the rebuilding and modernization of the Imperial Russian Navy before the First World War. In 1906 he ordered the establishment and development of the Russian submarine fleet.

The Imperial Russian Navy continued to expand during the reign of Nicholas II, regaining its position as the third largest fleet in the world after Britain and France. It had a revival in the latter part of the century, but lost most of its Pacific Fleet along with the Baltic Fleet, both of which were sent to the Far East and subsequently destroyed in the disastrous Russo-Japanese of 1904. The second phase of Nicholas II’s military life was marked by his participation in the reorganization of the navy after the catastrophic Russo-Japanese War.

Today, more than a century after his death, post-Soviet Russia recognizes the contribution of the last Russian Emperor to the development of the country’s underwater fleet.

On 19th (O.S. 6th) March 1906, by decree of Emperor Nicholas II, the Maritime General Staff was organized with the Main Naval Staff, which assumed the functions of the operational body of the Imperial Navy. At first, attention was directed to the creation of mine-laying and a submarine fleet.

Unfortunately, the name of the last emperor in this area of Russia’s military history is unjustly forgotten, thanks to Soviet dogma. From 1903 to 1917, Nicholas II ordered the construction of a total of 78 submarines – including the purchase of 11 foreign made submarines.

PHOTO: this icon painted in St. Petersburg, by order of modern day submariners of the Russian Federation is dedicated to the founder of the Russian submarine fleet, the Holy Sovereign Emperor Nicholas II.

FURTHER READING

The Imperial Russian Navy Under Nicholas II 1894-1917, which includes 2 videos + photographs

Divine liturgy celebrated in memory of Nicholas II’s abdication

Posted on 14 Days Ago by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: Hieromonk Mark (Svyatogorov) performing the Divine Liturgy

On 16th March 2026, a Divine Liturgy in memory of the abdication of the Emperor-Passion-Bearer Nicholas II and the miraculous appearance of the Reigning Icon of the Mother of God was celebrated in the Church of the Saviour Not Made by Hands [aka the Grand Church] in the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg.

The service was performed by the rector, Hieromonk Mark (Svyatogorov), co-served by the brethren of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, which is situated in St. Petersburg, and the clergy of the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

PHOTOS: Hieromonk Mark (Svyatogorov) performing the Divine Liturgy

PHOTOS: Hieromonk Mark (Svyatogorov) performing the Divine Liturgy

Praying at the service were the Director of the State Hermitage Museum Mikhail Piotrovsky, museum staff and parishioners of the Annunciation Metochion of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra.

Hymns of the Byzantine tradition were performed by a combined choir of singers under the direction of Alexei Zhukov.

PHOTO: parishioners of the Annunciation Metochion of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra.attend the Divine Liturgy in the Winter Palace church

PHOTO: the choir performs Byzantine hymns for the Diving Liturgy held in the Winter Palace church

“This church remembers various events in our history,” Father Mark said in his sermon. – “Acts of peace were announced here, unfortunately, war was also declared. In this church, in difficult and joyful, difficult and solemn times, the tsar’s thoughts, prayers, and tears were lifted up to God. Here the heirs to the throne were baptized and members of the imperial family were married. Every time we gather here for a divine service, we are all overwhelmed by an extraordinary uplift. We feel a part of the great events of history. We will be grateful that we have the opportunity to serve in this beautiful church, lift up prayers and approach the Holy Mysteries.”

During the kissing of the cross, the choir sang an ancient Christian hymn written in the 4th century by St. Ambrose of Milan, to the music of the court composer Dmitry Bortnyansky, who composed it especially for the Great Church of the Winter Palace.

PHOTO: parishoners gather for a group photo following the Divine Liturgy

The Church of the Saviour Not Made by Hands [aka the Grand Church] in the Winter Palace was consecrated on 25th July 1763 by Archbishop Gabriel in the name of the image of the Savioir (painted by Theodot Ukhtomsky, 1693), which was located in the prayer room at the altar. After the renovation, it was consecrated again in 1839 by Metropolitan Philaret. The Maltese shrines presented to Emperor Paul I were kept here, and every year they were transferred to the Pavlovsk Cathedral in Gatchina for a month. In October 1917, the church was damaged during the storming of the Winter Palace by the Bolsheviks and was closed in 1918. On 9th December 2014, the Grand Church was opened to visitors after restoration, and on 25th December of the same year, the first Divine Liturgy in 96 years was served. The Church of the Saviour Not Made by Hands was consecrated by the priestly rite.

PHOTO: view of the the Church of the Savior Not Made by Hands in the Winter Palace. On the right hangs a painting depicting the wedding of Emperor Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna, painted by Laurits Tuxen.

Recall that on 27th (O.S. 14th) November 1894, the wedding of Emperor Nicholas II and Grand Duchess Alexandra Feodorovna [future Empress Alexandra Feodorovna took place in the Church of the Saviour Not Made by Hands – the home church of the Imperial family – in the Winter Palace

The modest wedding ceremony took place in an atmosphere of deep mourning for the deceased Emperor Alexander III. Due to court mourning, there was no reception, nor honeymoon, with Nicholas and Alexandra going to reside with his mother and brother at the Anichkov Palace in St. Petersburg.

FURTHER READING

130th anniversary of the Wedding of Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna, 1894 + PHOTOS

The myth that Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich was Russia’s last Tsar

Posted on 14 Days Ago by Paul Gilbert

NOTE: this article was originally published on 6th November 2020, it has been revised and updated with additional facts and information on 16th March 2026 – PG

The question of whether Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich (1878-1918) was the last Emperor of Russia, remains a subject of debate among many historians and monarchists to this day.

A heartbeat from the throne

Mikhail Alexandrovich was the youngest son and fifth child of Emperor Alexander III and Empress Maria Feodorovna, and youngest brother of Emperor Nicholas II.

At the time of his birth, his paternal grandfather Alexander II was still the reigning Emperor. Mikhail was fourth-in-line to the throne after his father and elder brothers Nicholas and George. After the assassination of his grandfather in 1881, he became third-in-line and, in 1894, after the death of his father, second-in-line. His brother George died in 1899, leaving Mikhail as heir presumptive. The birth of Nicholas’s son Alexei in 1904 moved Mikhail back to second-in-line.

In 1912, Mikhail shocked Nicholas II by marrying Natalia Sergeyevna Wulfert, a commoner and divorcee. In a series of decrees in December 1912 and January 1913, Nicholas relieved Mikhail of his command, banished him from Russia, froze all his assets in Russia, seized control of his estates and removed him from the Regency.

After the outbreak of World War I, Mikhail returned to Russia, assuming command of a cavalry regiment. When Nicholas abdicated on 15 March [O.S. 2 March] 1917, Mikhail was named as his successor instead of Alexei. Mikhail, however, deferred acceptance of the throne until ratification by an elected assembly. Nicholas was appalled that his brother had “kowtowed to the Constituent Assembly” and called the manifesto “rubbish”.

Mikhail was never confirmed as Emperor and, following the Russian Revolution of 1917, he was imprisoned and subsequently murdered by the Bolsheviks near Perm on 13 June 1918 (aged 39).

Would Mikhail have made a good Tsar?

While many of Nicholas II’s detractors insist that Russia’s last Tsar was unprepared for the throne, his brother Mikhail was even less prepared. Mikhail had no aspirations for the throne, instead he preferred the life a playboy, and his gentle disposition would have made him an easy target for manipulative ministers and generals in helping nurture their own selfish interests.

His letters to his brother the Emperor reveal a rather devious and conniving side of Mikhail. In one such letter dated 7th November 1912, Nicholas writes to his mother:

“What revolts me more than anything else is his [Mikhail] reference to poor Alexei’s [the Tsesarevich] illness which, he [Mikhail] says, made him speed things up. [Mikhail is referring to his marriage. In the event of Alexei’s death, Mikhail would have become heir to the throne]. And then the disappointment and sorrow it brings to you and all of us and the scandal of it all over Russia mean absolutely nothing to him! At a time, too, when everyone is expecting war, and when the tercentenary of the Romanovs is due in a few months! I am ashamed and deeply grieved.”

Many believe that Mikhail’s ascension to the throne would have ushered in a constitutional monarchy and that this in itself would have preserved the dynasty and saved Russia. Russia, however, was not prepared for a constitutional monarchy, nor would it have preserved the dynasty nor would it have saved Russia. A constitutional monarchy would not have appeased the socialists and revolutionaries, and most certainly driven the radical elements such as the Bolsheviks to extreme measures. It has been argued that Russia should have adopted a European style monarchy. There is little similarity. Holy Russia did not need to adopt a Western style monarchy. For centuries Russia had been led by mystic forces. Monarchy was the social system that fit Russia best.

Opposition to Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich

Just after midnight on 3rd March 1917, Grand Duke Sergei Mikhailovich (1869-1918) and several officers were assembled in the room of the officer on duty, next to the telegraph office, at the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Mogilev. They smoked incessantly as they awaited news. At 1:30 in the morning, the nervous atmosphere of the room was punctured by the arrival of a fateful telegram, which read “The Sovereign Emperor then signed the act of abdication from the throne to be transferred to Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich

The officers reeled. Grand Duke Serge shouted: “Why on earth, Mikhail? This is such a joke!” He collapsed on the sofa, exclaiming: “This is the end!” Frantic questions swirled among those present. Wast the succession even legal? Could Mikhail, who preferred to remain in the shadows, even secure the people’s respect?

The legality of Nicholas II’s act of abdication

Some historians further argue that Nicholas II’s act of abdication on 15 March 1917 (O.S. 2 March) 1917 was invalid for two reasons: one, because it was signed in pencil, violating all the necessary legal and procedural methods and format, and thus had no legal force; and two, because the instrument of abdication was never officially published by the Imperial Senate.

In his scholarly book ‘Russia 1917. The February Revolution,’ historian George Katkov, throws yet another interesting coal into the fire:

“ . . . when the Tsar abdicated, and later on behalf of his son, he was accused of having done so in contravention of the law of succession and with the aim of introducing a legal flaw into the instrument of abdication that would later allow him to declare it invalid.”

If this is true, it was a very clever move on the part of Nicholas II, not realizing the terrible fate which awaited him and his family 15 months later in Ekaterinburg.

Grand Duke Mikhail was not “Tsar for a day”

One thing, however, is certain—Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich was NOT Russia’s last tsar! Nicholas II remained Emperor and Tsar of Russia until the day of his death and martyrdom on 17th July 1918.

As God’s Anointed, Nicholas II could not be displaced during his lifetime. Since the will of God was nowhere manifest, neither in the naming of his brother Grand Duke Mikhail to the throne, nor in the Tsar’s signing of the instrument of abdication, his status as Tsar remained inviolate and unassailable.

* * *

MISHA: GRAND DUKE MICHAEL ALEXANDROVICH
Compiled and Edited by Paul Gilbert

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ORDER FROM AMAZON

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BOOK DESCRIPTION

This book explores the milestones in the life of Grand Duke Michael in a series of essays by four distinct authors, and complemented with 50 black and white photographs.

Paperback edition. 136 pages + 50 black & white photographs

The Abdication of Emperor Nicholas II, March 1917

Posted on 16 Days Ago by Paul Gilbert

On this day – 15th (O.S. 2nd) March 1917 – an illegal coup forced Russia’s last Emperor and Tsar to abdicate, bringing an end to more than 300 years of the Romanov dynasty, the monarchy and the Russian Empire. Upon Nicholas II’s abdication, power in Russia then passed to the Russian Provisional Government, signaling victory for the February Revolution.

It was also on this day in 1917, that the Reigning Icon of the Mother of God was revealed to a peasant woman in Kolomenskoye (near Moscow). Many believe the reappearance of the icon was an indication that the Virgin Mary was displeased with Russia for dethroning the Tsar during the February 1917 Revolution.

Emperor Nicholas II abdicated in the heartfelt belief that his abdication would save the honour of the army, prevent civil war and keep Russia in the war against Germany. Sadly, it did not. In his diary, Nicholas wrote: “I am surrounded by betrayal, cowardice, and deceit.“

The Emperor came under heavy fire of criticism, some of it coming from close relatives.But,Nicholas II’s younger sister Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna (1882-1960), was staunch in her defence of her brother’s difficult decision. “Not only did he want to prevent further disorders when he gave up his crown but he had no other choice.”

The French tutor to Nicholas II’s children, Pierre Gilliard, who followed the Tsar and his family into exile, recalls in his memoirs Thirteen Years at the Russian Court: “I then for the first time heard the Tsar regret his abdication.”

PHOTO: the Manifesto of the Abdication of Nicholas II – English translation, below

English translation of the Act of Abdication

“In the days of the great struggle against the foreign enemies, who for nearly three years have tried to enslave our fatherland, the Lord God has been pleased to send down on Russia a new heavy trial. Internal popular disturbances threaten to have a disastrous effect on the future conduct of this persistent war. The destiny of Russia, the honour of our heroic army, the welfare of the people and the whole future of our dear fatherland demand that the war should be brought to a victorious conclusion whatever the cost. The cruel enemy is making his last efforts, and already the hour approaches when our glorious army together with our gallant allies will crush him. In these decisive days in the life of Russia,

We thought it Our duty of conscience to facilitate for Our people the closest union possible and a consolidation of all national forces for the speedy attainment of victory. In agreement with the Imperial Duma We have thought it well to renounce the Throne of the Russian Empire and to lay down the supreme power. As We do not wish to part from Our beloved son, We transmit the succession to Our brother, the Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich, and give Him Our blessing to mount the Throne of the Russian Empire. We direct Our brother to conduct the affairs of the nation with the representatives of the people in the legislative bodies on those principles which will be established by them, and on which He will take an inviolable oath. In the name of Our dearly beloved homeland, We call on Our faithful sons of the fatherland to fulfill their sacred duty to the fatherland, to obey the Tsar in the heavy moment of national trials, and to help Him, together with the representatives of the people, to guide the Russian Empire on the road to victory, welfare, and glory. May the Lord God help Russia!” Nikolai

VIDEO: ‘The Conspiracy Against Nicholas II’, written and narrated by Paul Gilbert.
Duration: 7 minutes, 36 seconds. CLICK on the image above to watch this video

Shrouded in controversy, myths and lies

More than a century after this tragic event, the abdication of Emperor Nicholas II continues to be the subject of debate among many historians.

Some historians argue that the act of abdication was invalid for two reasons: one, because it was signed in pencil, violating all the necessary legal and procedural methods and format, and thus had no legal force; and two, because the instrument of abdication was never officially published by the Imperial Senate.

Another Russian historian further adds that “the Tsar’s signing of the instrument of abdication, his status as Tsar remained inviolate and unassailable”.

Further, in his scholarly book ‘Russia 1917. The February Revolution,’ the Russian-born historian George Mikhailovich Katkov (1903-1985), throws yet another coal into the fire:

“ . . . when the Tsar abdicated, and later on behalf of his son, he was accused of having done so in contravention of the Law of Succession and with the aim of introducing a legal flaw into the instrument of abdication that would later allow him to declare it invalid.”

If this is true, it was a very clever move on the part of Nicholas II, not realizing the terrible fate which awaited him and his family 15 months later in Ekaterinburg.

Faithful to the end: three generals who remained loyal to Nicholas II

In addition, historians have also led us to believe that Nicholas II was betrayed by all of his generals in the days leading up to his abdication.

This is incorrect.

Few people realize that when Nicholas II abdicated in March 1917, three generals remained faithful to their oath to the Emperor: Nikolai Iudovich Ivanov (1851-1919), Fyodor Arturovich Keller (1857-1918), and Huseyn Khan Nakhchivanski (1863-1919).

The generals sent telegrams to the Tsar at Mogliev expressing their loyalty to Nicholas II, offering their troops to defend the monarchy. The telegrams never reached the Sovereign, having been intercepted by traitors and supporters of the Provisional Government.

Source: “They did not betray their oath” – the fate of the generals who remained loyal to Nicholas II + PHOTOS

in 1997, a memorial plaque pictured above) was installed at the entranve of the railway station in Pskov. The translation of the text reads: “On March 2 (15), 1917, at 3:05 p.m., in the saloon car of the Tsar’s train at the Pskov station, Emperor Nicholas II abdicated the throne of the Russian State”.

FURTHER READING:

The Tsar’s Chapel in Pskov, in memory of the Tsar’s abdication + PHOTOS

Nicholas II’s stop at Dno, one day before his abdication in 1917

Last church where Nicholas II prayed before his abdication will be restored

15th March: Reigning Icon of the Mother of God Revealed

Posted on 16 Days Ago by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: the original Reigning Icon of the Mother of God in
the Church of Our Lady of Kazan, Kolomenskoye (near Moscow)

NOTE: this article was originally posted on 15th March 2019. It was updated
with additional information and photos on 15th March 2026 – PG

***

On 15th (O. S. 2nd) March 1917, Emperor Nicholas II abdicated from the throne. That same day, the Reigning Icon of the Mother of God was revealed to a peasant woman in Kolomenskoye. Many believe the reappearance of the icon was an indication that the Virgin Mary was displeased with Russia for dethroning Nicholas II during the February 1917 Revolution.

The Reigning Icon of the Mother of God is believed to date from the 18th century. It is considered one of the most revered icons both inside Russia and in Russian emigre circles.

The icon was originally venerated in the Ascension Convent, in the Chertolye neighborhood near the Moscow Kremlin. In 1812, as Napoleon Bonaparte’s Grande Armée approached Moscow during the French invasion of Russia, the icon was taken to the village church in Kolomenskoye for safekeeping and subsequently forgotten until 1917.

At the end of the February Revolution of 1917, on 15 March (O.S. 2 March) 1917, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia abdicated the throne. That same day, Evdokia Adrianova, a peasant woman in the village of Pererva in Moscow Province, dreamed that the Blessed Virgin appeared and spoke to her. She was instructed to travel to the village of Kolomenskoye, where she would find an old icon which, “will change colour from black to red.”

PHOTO: the Church of Our Lady of Kazan in Kolomenskoye (nearMoscow)

Upon her arrival, the parish priest Father Nikolai Likhachev (1865-1893) took Evdokia at her word and together they searched until they found, in an old storage room located in the basement, an icon covered with candle soot. When they took the icon outdoors, the sunlight revealed that the Mother of God was wearing the scarlet robes of a monarch. She also wore the Imperial crown and held a sceptre and orb — the symbols of Imperial power.

Since all this took place on the same day as the Tsar’s abdication from the throne, the appearance of the icon was immediately thought to be connected with that event. What is more, the priest was given to understand that the Crown that had fallen from the head of the Tsar had been taken up by the Theotokos, the Mother of God: henceforth, She would be the reigning Tsarina of the Russian State. Thus the icon was named the ‘Reigning’ icon and became widely revered among the Russian people.

The discovery of the miraculous appearance of the Reigning Icon spread instantly, and crowds of pilgrims began to flock to the Church of Our Lady of Kazan, Kolomenskoye (near Moscow) to venerate it.

PHOTO: The original Reigning Icon of the Mother of God in
the Church of Our Lady of Kazan, Kolomenskoye (near Moscow)

Russian monarchists believe the reappearance of the icon was an indication that the Virgin Mary was displeased with Russia for dethroning Tsar Nicholas II during the February 1917 Revolution. They believe that She will hold the Imperial Crown for safekeeping until the House of Romanov is restored.

After the revolution, efforts were made to protect and preserve the icon. It was transported from one place to another. She visited the Marfo-Mariinsky [Martha and Mary] Convent – founded by the Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna (1864-1918) – in Moscow, where she was greeted with great honours. Later, in Soviet times, the icon was kept in the vaults of the State Historical Museum in Moscow.

On 27th July 1990, the Reigning Icon of the Mother of God was returned to the Church of Our Lady of Kazan in Kolomenskoye. Today, anyone can come to Moscow, to the Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve, and pray before the miraculous image.

PHOTO: A copy of the Reigning Icon of the Mother of God
is carried in a cross procession held in Moscow

After the reunification of the Moscow Patrichate of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) in August 2007, the icon was taken to Russian parishes in Europe, the United States and Australia.

In modern times, Orthodox believers celebrate the day of the Reigning Icon of the Mother of God on 15th March. The significance of the Reigning Icon for the Russian people is enormous: it reminds them that even when earthly power collapses, heavenly protection remains with them. The icon has become a symbol of the inflexibility of the Russian spirit and protected Russia for more than a century.

The Reigning Icon does not require a special complex prayer. You can turn to the Mother of God in your own words, the main thing is to do it from the bottom of your heart. Traditionally, an akathist to the Reigning Icon or a troparion to the feast is read before the icon. Many Orthodox Christians come to church on 15th March or 2nd March (according to the Old Style Julian Calendar). On this day that worshippers light a candle and ask for intercession. During the Great Lent (from 23rd February to 11th April 2026), prayer before the Reigning Icon acquires a special meaning. Lent is a time of purification and repentance, and turning to the Mother of God helps to strengthen the spirit and walk this path with dignity.

PHOTO: a contemporary Russian icon depicting the Holy Royal
Passion-Bearers standing under the image of the Mother of God

During the service held on the eve on the day of the discovery of the Reigning Icon of the Mother of God, Metropolitan Evgeny of Yekaterinburg and Verkhoturye diocese noted that the mystery of what happened that night at the Dno station is completely hidden from us, as well as what happened in the heart of the Tsar on the day of his abdication.

“We must warm our hearts with the Mother of God. To tell Her that Her appearance in Kolomenskoye was not in vain. It was not in vain that all those labours and prayers that She lifted up for Russia, so that Russia would be called Holy Russia and the home of the Most Holy Theotokos,” – His Eminence noted.

FURTHER READING

The Abdication of Emperor Nicholas II, March 1917 + PHOTOS and VIDEO