PHOTO: bust-monument to Tsar-Passion-Bearer Nicholas II on the grounds
of the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in the village of Multanovo

On Sunday, 8th November 2026, a new bust-monument to Emperor Nicholas II was unveiled and consecrated in the village of Multanovo, situated about 70 km [43 miles] from the Russian city of Astrakhan.

The monument was installed on the grounds of the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The monument was the final element in the creation of a spiritual and historical memorial complex, dedicated to the clergy of the Astrakhan region who suffered for their faith during the persecution of the 20th century.

Metropolitan Nikon of Astrakhan and Kamyzyak officiated at the Divine Liturgy, held at the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Following the service, His Eminence conducted a ceremony of consecration of the monument to Tsar-Passion-Bearer Nicholas II.

PHOTO: Metropolitan Nikon of Astrakhan and Kamyzyak performs the
rite of consecration of the monument to Tsar-Passion-Bearer Nicholas II

The event was attended by the Chairman of the Duma of the Astrakhan Region Igor Martynov and the deputy of the regional parliament Nurlan Supugaliev, representatives of the clergy and members of the board of the Union of Orthodox Women.

On the pedestal of the monument is engraved the text of the telegram sent by Nicholas II, in which he congratulates the 12th Astrakhan Grenadier Regiment (stationed in Moscow, in the Astrakhan barracks) on the 200th anniversary of their faithful service to the Throne and the Fatherland. It was on this occasion, that Nicholas II assumed the title of Chief of the regiment. Nicholas II remained the chief of this regiment until his abdication in March 1917.

According to the press service of the Astrakhan diocese, the bust was presented to the diocese by the general producer of the Spas TV channel Boris Korchevnikov and social activist Pavel Astakhov.

PHOTO: bust-monument to Tsar-Passion-Bearer Nicholas II on the grounds
of the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in the village of Multanovo

The installation of the monument in Multanovo, is the 20th monument of Russia’s last Tsar to be installed in Russia this year. Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, between 125 to 150 monuments, busts and memorial plaques have been installed in more than 50 regions of the Russian Federation.

© Paul Gilbert. 9 November 2026