On 1st November 2024, the photo-exhibition The Tsar’s Family: Service, Love, Mercy opened in the Zdemirov Rural House of Culture, situated in the village Zdemirovo of the Kostroma region. The exhibition was organized by the Union of Orthodox Women of the Kostroma Region, with the assistance of the clergy and parishioners of the local Church of the Prophet Elijah.

Photographs for the exhibition were provided by the brethren of Sretensky Stauropegial Monastery in Moscow. The photographs reflect the warmth and love the Imperial Family shared with one another.

What is a true Christian family? In the eyes of the Russian Orthodox Church, that example was set by the family of Emperor Nicholas II.

How selflessly they helped people, their fellow citizens of the Russian Empire. Despite their August positions in life, they worked on an equal basis with others, they worked as nurses, bandaged the wounded and participated in operations. In spite of of everything, they remained a strong family, always supporting each other. They were aN example of true service to God, the Motherland and people.

The photo-exhibition is timed to the 130th anniversary of the ascension of Russia’s last Emperor and Tsar to the throne, on 2nd November (O.S. 20th October) 1894.

Tsesarevich and Grand Duke Nicholas Alexandrovich was 26 years old at that time. He was to stand at the head of the Russian Empire for more than 22 years, he marrued his fiancée, the Princess Alix of Hesse-Darmstadt, the future Empress Alexandra Feodorovna.

On 27th (O.S. 14th) November 1894, on the birthday of Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, the wedding of Emperor Nicholas Alexandrovich with Grand Duchess Alexandra Feodorovna took place in the Grand Church of the Winter Palace. The couple were blessed with 5 beautiful children: four daughters and a son.

The The Tsar’s Family: Service, Love, Mercy photo-exhibition runs until 4th December 2024. Admission is FREE!

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As I have noted in similiar posts, I support any initiative – big or small – to help keep the memory of Nicholas II and his family alive in post-Soviet Russia – PG

© Paul Gilbert. 6 November 2024