On 5th June 2026, a new bust-monument to Emperor Nicholas II was unveiled and consecrated on the grounds of the Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos in the Russian city of Ussuriysk – situated 98 kilometers (61 mi) north of Vladivostok. This is the seventh monument to be installed in Russia in the last six months!

The installation of the bust-monument in Ussuriysk is timed to preserve the memory of the visit of Tsesarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich to Ussuriysk (then the village of Nikolskoye) in May 1891, following his Eastern Journey to India and the Far East. It was during this visit, that the future Emperor of Russia attended a Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker [demolished by the Bolsheviks in 1932].

Before the ceremony, a divine liturgy was held in the church, followed by a cross procession, with the participation of the clergy of the Vladivostok Diocese, parishioners, Cossacks, war veterans, local government officials, parishioners and local residents.

The rite of consecration of the bust-monument was performed by Metropolitan Veniamin (Pushkar).

In his welcome speech, Andrey Podoplelov, Deputy Chairman of the Duma of the Ussuriysk City District, said:

“Today we pay tribute to the man whose name is inextricably linked with the history of our city. It was Nicholas II, who visited Nikolskoye [renamed Ussuriysk in 1935], supported the initiative to assign the status of a city to the village of Nikolskoye. We must remember our history, and the installation of this bust-monument is a sign of continuity and respect for the past of Ussuriysk.”

Elena Lishchyshyna, Acting Deputy Head of Administration, Chief of Staff, further added:

“The opening of this monument is a tribute to the ruler, a tribute to a man who was loyal to Russia, was faithful to his duty, loyal to his people and sincerely believed in God. I hope that our future generations will value their history, remember the great Tsar.” .

The installation of the brozen monument and granite pedestal was made possible thanks to the assistance of the deputy of the Legislative Assembly of the Primorsky Territory Alexander Kirilyuk, who supported the organization and financing of the project. The author of the monument is a sculptor from Vladivostok, a member of the Union of Artists of Russia Ilya Topchiy.

© Paul Gilbert. 5 June 2026