Author: Paul Gilbert

My visit to Our Lady of Smolensk Orthodox Church in Jacksons Point, Ontario

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

Paul Gilbert at Our Lady of Smolensk Church in Jacksons Point, Ontario
© Paul Gilbert. 2026

On Sunday 12th July 2026 – the day the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul – I visited Our Lady of Smolensk Church in Jacksons Point, Ontario. The church is situated about an hour and half north of Toronto, in the beautiful cottage country of Lake Simcoe.

“Given your longstanding work as a Romanov historian and your dedication to preserving the memory of the Imperial Family and the New Martyrs of Russia, we believe your visit would be a great blessing and encouragement to our parish community,” wrote Greg Montana, on on behalf of Father Maxim (Abroskin).

After I had received the warm invite, I mentioned to Mr. Montana, that I was not Orthodox and did the invite still stand? His reply: “Yes, definitely the invitation still stands even though you are not yet Orthodox.”

I attended the Divine Liturgy in the morning, and at noon I was invited to speak to parishioners. The topic of my discussion was: “Myths and Lies About Russia’s Last Tsar.”

View of Our Lady of Smolensk Church (ROCOR), Jacksons Point, Ontario
© Paul Gilbert. 2026

A Short History of the Parish

There is no place in Canada closer to Russia than Berezki [birch grove], a picturesque corner on the shores of Lake Simcoe, which originally belonged to the members of the Artyukhov family. It was 1953. The surrounding landscape was so reminiscent of Russia that the place quickly gained popularity among the Russian emigration. Several families together, purchased the first plot. This is how they laid the foundation for the place that for many Russian refugees, who for political or ideological reasons could not return to Russia (which was then the USSR), became a second homeland for many years. M.Y. After the roads were laid, new plots of land were put up for sale and more Russian families settled there.

On 10th August 1957, on the day of the celebration of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God Hodegetria, several summer cottages were consecrated and it was decided to build a church in the name of this revered icon.

Our Lady of Smolensk Orthodox Church in Jacksons Point, Ontario, was founded in 1957 and dedicated to the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God. The church’s construction began with the laying of the foundation in 1958, and it was replaced by a stone church in 1981. The gleaming cupola and cross were added in 1983, and the community completed the memorial chapel dedicated to the Saint family of the last Russian Emperor in 1990.

Our Lady of Smolensk Church at Jacksons Point was established in 1957
© Paul Gilbert. 2026

My first Divine Liturgy in 8 years

I arrived in the morning to attend Divine Liturgy. As soon as I opened the door and stepped inside the church, the smell of burning incense transported me thousands of miles to Russia. I had not been inside a Russian Orthodox Church since July of 2018, when I travelled to Ekaterinburg, to take part in the events marking the 100th anniversary of the death and martyrdom of Nicholas II, his family and their four faithful retainers. It was during my stay in the Ural city that I attended Divine Services daily, in the Church on the Blood, which was a short walk from my hotel.

As the Divine Services began on Sunday morning, my eyes scanned the magnificent iconostasis (seen in the photo below). I gazed up at the dome and the frescoes painted on the ceilings, returning to take in each of the icons. As my gaze shifted to the far side of the church, I saw a familiar face stairing at me – it was the Holy Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II, who was depicted in a large icon of the Holy Royal Martyrs. Father Maxim later told me that the icon came from Jordanville, and took 6 men to carry it!

View of the beautiful iconostasis, note the icon of the Holy Royal Martyrs on the left
© Paul Gilbert. 2026

Icons depicting the Holy Royal Martyrs and St. Elizabeth the New Martyr
© Paul Gilbert. 2026

Unique exhibit dedicated to the Romanovs

Father Maxim was keen to show me his small (but growing) exhibit in the basement of the church. I was surprised to find such a wonderful collection of portraits and framed photographs (seen in the photos below) of members of the Russian Imperial Family, which included not only Nicholas II and his family, but other extended members such as Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna, Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich and Emperor Paul I.

Also on display, were a selection of Russian and English language books on Nicholas II and his family, even a copy of my semi-annual publication Sovereign, which is dedicated to clearing the name of Russia’s last Tsar. In this particular issue, was an article I wrote about a pannikhida served for Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna at York Cemetery in Toronto on 24th July 2025. The solemn ceremony was performed by Father Maxim, in the presence of Russia’s Ambassador to Canada Oleg Stepanov. Father Maxim asked me to sign the issue, of which I was more than happy to do so3

Father Maxim (Abroskin) with Paul Gilbert
© Paul Gilbert. 2026

A collection of portraits, photos and books about Nicholas II and his family
© Paul Gilbert. 2026

Paul Gilbert browsing the church’s collection in the basement of the church
© Paul Gilbert. 2026

Chapel in Memory of the Holy Royal Martyrs

Situated on the grounds of the church is a small wooden chapel dedicated to the Holy Royal Martyrs. A small bronze plaque reads:

“This memorial chapel was built in memory of the Holy Royal Martyrs: Nicholas II, the last Emperor of Russia, and his family, who were brutally assassinated on July 17th, 1918.

“The foundation stone was consecrated by Metropolitan Hilarion, First Heirarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia on August 6th 2017.

“The chapel was erected by the parishioners at the initiative of Fr. Maksim Abroskim. It was consecrated by Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada on September 29th, 2018 in honour of the 100th anniversary of the execution of the Russian Royal Family.”

Upon entering the chapel, a large icon of the Holy Royal Martyrs hangs on the wall, a smaller copy of the one hanging in the main church. There are also icons depicting St. Elizabeth (Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna) the New Martyr and St. Seraphim of Sarov [canonized during the reign of Nicholas II], among others.

It is interesting to note that Our Lady of Smolensk Church is home to the only chapel outside of Russia dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Holy Royal Martyrs.

Father Maxim (Abroskin) with Paul Gilbert at the Holy Royal Martyrs Chapel
© Paul Gilbert. 2026

View of the interior of the chapel dedicated to the Holy Royal Martyrs
© Paul Gilbert. 2026

Memorial Cross dedicated to St Sergei of Radonyezh

Erected on 18th July 2014, the Memorial Cross commemorates the 700th anniversary of the birth of St. Sergius of Radonezh, one of Russia’s most revered saints.

St. Sergius of Radonezh (1314–1392) is widely known as the greatest national saint of Russia and the founder of the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius – (43 mi) to the northeast from Moscow. He is revered as the father of Russian monasticism and a unifying figure in Russian history.

Memorial Cross dedicated to St Sergei of Radonyezh
© Paul Gilbert. 2026

My talk: “Myths and Lies About Russia’s Last Tsar”

Following Divine Services and a tour of the church and grounds, I was invited by Father Maxim to begin my talk, which was well attended. The event took place outdoors, in a shaded area and I must say how grateful I was to speak in such a relaxed atmosphere, especially on such a hot day.

I talked about four of the many myths which continue to haunt the legacy of Russia’s much slandered name: the myth that “Nicholas II was not prepared for the Throne”; the myth that “Russia was a poor, backward nation under Nicholas II”; the myth that “Nicholas II was a drunkard”; and the myth that “Nicholas II’s death was met with indifference.”

I then proceeded to talk about “why” after more than a century, these an so many other myths and lies exist, more than a century after this death, citing many reasons, including ignorance, propaganda, academically lazy historians, even Russophobia. My talk lasted 30 minutes, and was even met with applause by those present!

I then thanked Father Maxim for inviting me to his parish and to speak with parishioners. I presented him with a copy of my book Most Pious Tsar: Icons, Frescoes and Holy Images of Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II, which was published in 2023. Father Maxim then presented me with a beautiful icon – seen in the photo below.

I was then asked to say a few words about myself and my mission to clear the name of the Holy Royal Martyr Nicholas II. Afterwards, people came up to chat, shake hands, take photos, while other brought copies of various books I have written to be signed. I cannot begin to express my gratitude to Father Maxim and the church parishioners, who gave me such a warm welcome, it was a very special day for me.

Father Maxim presented me with this icon depicting Our Lady of Smolensk
© Paul Gilbert. 2026

My Journey to Orthodoxy

During my visit to Our Lady of Smolensk Church, I spoke privately with Father Maxim about my wanting to convert to Orthodoxy. I explained that it was something in which I had been considering for many years, always in the belief that I was being guided to Orthodoxy by Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II. Father Maxim listened attentively to me, asking me questions, and explaining that I must first complete the catechism, and that once this is completed, that he would be very happen to perform the rite of baptism into the Russian Orthodox Church. And so, my journey to Orthodoxy begins . . .

© Paul Gilbert. 14 July 2026

New monument to Nicholas II unveiled in Samara

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

On 12th July 2026, on the day of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, a new bust-monument to Emperor Nicholas II was unveiled and consecrated in the Russian city of Samara. The marble bust of the Holy Tsar-Passion-Bearer on a granite pedestal were installed on Kuibyshev Square opposite the Samara Diocesan Administration.

The ceremony began with a Divine Liturgy, followed by the rite of consecration, which were performed by Metropolitan Theodosius of Samara and Novokuybyshevsk.

Prominent guests included Boris Korchevnikov, General Director of the Spas TV channel; TV presenter Pavel Astakhov; as well as Ekaterina Matveeva, Minister of Tourism of the Samara Region, and Tatyana Shestopalova, Head of the Department of Culture and Youth Policy of the Samara Administration.

Also present during the solemn ceremony were representatives of the Samara Provincial Noble Assembly, clergymen of the Samara Diocese, parishioners and local residents.

The opening of the monument to the Holy Passion-Bearer was timed to coincide with both the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, and the day marking the 122nd anniversary of the Emperor’s visit to Samara on 12th July 1904. It was on this day, that Nicholas II prayed in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour (demolished in 1930) and blessing the soldiers who went to the Russo-Japanese War.

Two plaques on the siders of the pedestal depict quotes from the Emperor: “To My spiritual gaze I clearly see a calm, healthy and strong Russia, faithful to its historical precepts, happy with the love of its grateful sons, proud of their selfless devotion to Our Throne” (1914) and “In Samara… he went on horseback to inspect the troops. Everyone introduced themselves perfectly… The order was exemplary” (1904).

© Paul Gilbert. 13 July 2026

NEW BOOK – ‘Ladies of the Russian Court’

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

*You can order this title from most AMAZON outlets, including
the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia,
France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Sweden,
Brazil, Mexico and Japan
*Note: prices are quoted in local currencies

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE HARD COVER EDITION @ $20.00 USD

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE PAPERBACK EDITION @ $15.00 USD

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE EBOOK (KINDLE) EDITION @ $12.99 USD

English. Large format 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″. 164 pages. Illustrated

***

NOTE: this book was originally published in 2021. This NEW 2026 edition features a FULL-COLOUR cover and is available in a hard cover edition for the first time.

***

The stories which make up these six portraits are drawn from Meriel Buchanan’s own memories, stories of six remarkable women at the Russian Imperial Court, during the reign of Emperor Nicholas II.

In this gallery of portraits are included the Dowager Empress Marie Feodorovna, wife of Emperor Alexander III and mother of Emperor Nicholas II; the Grand Duchess Marie Pavlovna, the wife of Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich; the Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna, the wife of the Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich and sister of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna; the Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna, the wife of the Grand Duke Cyril Vladimirovich; the Grand Duchess Olga Nicholaievna, eldest daughter of Emperor Nicholas II; and Princess Zenaide Yousoupoff, the mother of the  infamous Prince Felix Yousoupoff.

In dealing with these ladies of the Russian Court, the author evokes all the mystery, fascination, splendour, and elegance of Tsarist Russia. Ms Buchanan writes with a charm and ease most fitting to the characters she describes.

***

Meriel Buchanan (1886-1959) was the daughter of Sir George Buchanan (1854-1924), British Ambassador at St. Petersburg, from 1910 until the end of the Romanov Dynasty in 1917. She grew up in the Courts of Europe and Imperial Russia, amid the fading glories of an age now past.

© Paul Gilbert. 7 July 2026

Our Lady of Smolensk Church in Jacksons Point extends invitation to Paul Gilbert

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

On Sunday, 12th July 2026, I will attend a Liturgy at Our Lady of Smolensk Church (ROCOR) in Jacksons Point, Ontario. Following the Divine Services, I have been invited to speak to parishioners. The topic of my discussion will be: “Myths and Lies About Russia’s Last Tsar.”

“Given your longstanding work as a Romanov historian and your dedication to preserving the memory of the Imperial Family and the New Martyrs of Russia, we believe your visit would be a great blessing and encouragement to our parish community,” wrote Greg Montana, on on behalf of Father Maxim (Abroskin).

After I had received the warm invite, I mentioned to Mr. Montana, that I was not Orthodox and did the invite still stand? His reply: “Yes, definitely the invitation still stands even though you are not yet Orthodox.”

It is interesting to note that Our Lady of Smolensk Church is home to the only chapel outside of Russia dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Holy Royal Martyrs. In the lower level of the main church, is an exhibit dedicated to the Holy Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna, who is the patron saint of the parish sisterhood.

Divine Services begin at 9:45 am. My lecture starts at 12:00 noon. If you live in the Greater Toronto area or in cottage country, you are welcome to attend, however, non-Orthodox visitors to the church are kindly reminded that this is a place of worship, and church etiquette is to be respected.

Our Lady of Smolensk Church (ROCOR) is situated in Jackson Point, Ontario, which is 86 km north of Toronto. The church is located at 5 Birch Rd, Jacksons Point, Ontario, ON L0E 1L0 Canada.

***

The Our Lady of Smolensk Orthodox Church in Jacksons Point, Ontario, was founded in 1957 and dedicated to the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God. The church’s construction began with the laying of the foundation in 1958, and it was replaced by a stone church in 1981. The gleaming cupola and cross were added in 1983, and the community completed the memorial chapel dedicated to the Saint family of the last Russian Emperor in 1990.

© Paul Gilbert. 4 July 2026

The ‘Romanov Memorial’ at Pososenkov Log is under threat . . . again!

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: a large Orthodox cross marks the spot, where the remains of Nicholas II, Empress Alexandrovna, three of their five children and four faithful retainers were discovered in May 1979, and exhumed in 1991. The remains of Alexei and Maria were discovered in 2007, in a separate unmarked grave, situated about 60-70 meters from the main grave

Activists of the Romanov Memorial Foundation have sounded the alarm, that the territory near Porosenkov Log, is again under threat . . . yet again! Heavy machinery has been moved into the area, and trees are being felled near the Romanov Memorial, to make way for a new cemetery.

Ilya Korovin, the head of the Romanov Memorial Foundation fears that the development of the cemetery will affect the area near the memorial, where the remains of the Imperial Family and their four faithful retainers were discovered in two separate graves in 1979 (exhumed in 1991) and 2007 respectively.

According to the press service of the Foundation, in May 2026, representatives of the Ural Forest Group visited the Romanov Memorial. By order of the City Cemetery Service (MKU), clear cutting of the forest was approved on land near the memorial for the expansion of the city cemetery.

PHOTO: Trees are currently being felled near
the Romanov Memorial at Porosenkov Log

Korovin believes that the expansion of the cemetery threatens the existence of the Romanov graves in their original form. Activists of the Foundation are more concerned about the fact that, according to official documents, 70 hectares of land adjacent to Porosenkov Log have already been transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church – who have yet to recognize the Ekaterinburg Remains as those of the Imperial Family. This suggests that the ROC have plans to construct a large cathedral or another monastery, similar to that at Ganina Yama.

The Foundation has expressed concerns that construction work will irreversibly change the appearance of a cultural heritage site. The legal department of the Foundation regularly sends complaints to supervisory authorities and courts, demanding that they prohibit changing the boundaries of protected lands and stop any construction.

To date, the Romanov Memorial, aka Porosenkov Log, remains the only authentic place associated with the final days of the Imperial Family in Ekaterinburg. Recall that the Ipatiev House, where the Tsar and his family were murdered, along with their four faithful retainers was demolished in 1977.

PHOTO: Paul Gilbert standing at the entrance to the Romanov Memorial in July 2018

“Over the years, we fought for the Romanov Memorial, and we maintained the grounds and the graves, and we will not abandon our cause, we will not give up! The Romanov Memorial should become a historical and cultural reserve in the interests of the whole country, it should be a collegial body on a completely different, new level. Under no circumstances, should the Memorial be monopolized by an institution, such as the Russian Orthodox Church, who will pour concrete here, build up there, dig here, cut down trees there. The Romanov Memorial must be preserved in its natural state, something which the Russian Orthodox Church has never been able to achieve at other sites connected with the last Tsar and his family, which have been transferred to them, and not only in Ekaterinburg,” said Ilya Korovin.

“Over the years, two sites have been created near Ekaterinburg: one, a religious site – the Monastery of the Holy Royal Passion-Bearers at Ganina Yama; the second, a historical site situated 5 kilometers away – the Romanov Memorial at Porosenkov Log.

Activists of the Romanov Memorial Foundation advocate that both the faithful and other visitors should be free to visit both Porosenkov Log and Ganina Yama, to pray, to pay their respects, and to reflect, without interfering with each other.

Social activists hope to expand the protected zone of Porosenkov Log and create a historical and cultural reserve. They are sure that this is the only way to preserve the graves of the Holy Royal Passion-Beaers.

*The Romanov Memorial Foundation

NOTE: the Romanov Memorial Foundation is a Russian-language site. If you do not read Russian, do not allow that to deter you from perusing the many interesting articles and photos on this very important news forum. Use your Google Translate to provide you with your respective language – PG

© Paul Gilbert. 3 July 2026

Ekaterinburg prepares for Tsar’s Days 2026

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: the Church on the Blood, Ekaterinburg

The Ekaterinburg Diocese are currently preparing for Tsar’s Days, which will be held in the Ural capital and in Alapaevsk from 11th to 21st July 2026.

This year marks the 108th anniversary of the death and martyrdom of Emperor Nicholas II, his family and their four faithful retainers on 17th July 1918. It also marks the 108th anniversary of the death and martyrdom of Grand Duchess Eliabeth Feodorovna and other Romanov family members in Alapaevsk on 18th July 1918.

Metropolitan Evgeny of Yekaterinburg and Verkhoturye noted the importance of the upcoming memorial events, which traditionally bring together tens of thousands of faithful from across Russia and abroad.

The central event of Tsar’s Days is the Divine Liturgy held on the night of 16/17 July, followed by a 21-km [13 miles] Cross Procession, from the Church on the Blood in central Ekaterinburg to the Monastery of the Holy Royal Passion-Bearers at Ganina Yama. for which “the whole of Russia gathers” in the Ural capital.

This years’ Tsar’s Days is part of the 25th International Festival of Orthodox Culture. Aside from divine services and religious processions, the festival will feature many events in honour of the Holy Royal Martyrs, including bell ringing, concerts and musical evenings, as well as exhibitions and conferences hosted by well-known historians, theologians and authors.

Preparations for the Tsar’s Days are being carried out by the Ekaterinburg Diocese with the support of the regional and city authorities.

Once again, Porosenkov Log will not included in this year’s Cross Procession. Porosenkov Log is where the remains of the Imperial Family were exhumed in two separate graves in 1991 and 2007 respectively. Due to the fact that the Moscow Patriachate does not yet recognize the Ekaterinburg Remains as those of the Imperial Family. Their official recognition rests with the Bishops’ Council of the Russian Orthodox Church.

PHOTO: Vice-Governor of the Sverdlovsk Region Vasily Kozlov.

Sverdlovsk region makes preparations

On 30th June 2026, the organization of the festival was discussed at a working meeting chaired by the Vice-Governor of the Sverdlovsk Region Vasily Kozlov.

“For more than two decades, the “Tsar’s Days” have remained one of the largest spiritual events in the Middle Urals. The Government of the Sverdlovsk Region, together with the Yekaterinburg Diocese, local governments and relevant departments, is conducting comprehensive preparations so that all events are held at a high organizational level, and their participants feel comfortable and safe,” said Vasily Kozlov.

PHOTO: believers carry icons depicting the Holy Saint Tsar Nicholas II during the 21-km. Cross Procession from the Church on the Blood to Ganina Yama

The veneration of Nicholas II

The veneration of Nicholas II and his family actually began just days after their murder in July 1918. During the Soviet years, such activity would most certainly have been suppressed, forcing the faithful to honour the Holy Royal Passion-Beaers in secret.

After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, everything changed, when in 2000, some 300 faithful gathered at the sight of the Ipatiev House in Sverdlovsk [Ekaterinburg]. In 2002, the first Cross Procession in memory of the Holy Royal Martyrs was held in the Ural capitlal, attracting 3,000 faithful. The procession has been held every year since, the most important being in 2018, the year marking the 100th anniversary of the death and martyrdom of the Imperial Family.

FURTHER READING:

What is Tsar’s Days? + PHOTOS and VIDEO

“Ekaterinburg is my favorite Russian city” – Paul Gilbert + PHOTOS

© Paul Gilbert. 1 July 2026

Nicholas II in the news – Spring 2026

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

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 April, May and June 2026. Click on the title [highlighted in red] below and follow the link to read each respective article:

Why did the British intervene in the Russian Civil War? (VIDEO)

The Bolsheviks wanted out of World War I, but Great Britain supported their monarchist opponent. So, in 1918, they sent troops to Russia on multiple fronts…

Source: Gateway to Russia. 30 June 2026

Imperial Jewels of Catherine II and Nicholas II Head to Auction + PHOTOS

An astounding selection of precious jewelry that once belonged to the Romanovs will hit the block at Sotheby’s on June 17.

Source: Galerie. 2 June 2026

10 facts about famous jeweler Carl Fabergé + PHOTOS

This genius of luxury jewelry captivated the Russian imperial court with his precious Easter eggs and made the family name famous throughout the world.

Source: Gateway to Russia. 30 May 2026

What happened to the Romanovs after the 1917 Revolution? + PHOTOS

The Bolsheviks brutally dealt with the tsar and his family, as well as about a dozen of their relatives. However, some did manage to escape and some even remained in Soviet Russia.

Source: Gateway to Russia. 25 May 2026

Why did Catherine the Great decide to… educate women? + PHOTOS

The Smolny Institute, founded by the empress on May 16, 1764, became not only the first educational institution for women in Russia, but also an important milestone in the history of society.

Source: Gateway to Russia. 16 May 2026

What did a FILER do in Tsarist Russia?

Being a filer (from the French word ‘filer’ – ‘to track’) in Tsarist Russia was no easy task. They were the “eyes and ears” of the political and criminal police, acting as surveillance field agents. Their job was to monitor individuals of interest to the state: revolutionaries, members of opposition organizations and dangerous criminals.

Source: Gateway to Russia. 18 April 2026

© Paul Gilbert. 30 June 2026

Metropolitan Yevgeny invites believers to the “Tsar’s Days – 2026” in Ekaterinburg

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: Metropolitan Evgeny of Yekaterinburg and Verkhoturye

Metropolitan Evgeny of Yekaterinburg and Verkhoturye has extended an invitation to the faithful to participate in Tsar’s Days, which will be held in the Ural city of Ekaterinburg this year from 11th to 21st July.

A video message by the head of the Metropolia, published on the web site of the Yekaterinburg Diocese, is addressed to everyone who cherishes the Russian Church and the traditional values of the Fatherland:

“Time is rapidly approaching a special time of the year. We call it Tsar’s Days. The Day of Remembrance of the Imperial Family of Emperor Nicholas II, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna and their children Alexei, Olga, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia, and four faithful servants.

“It has already become an annual tradition that on this day in Yekaterinburg, at the place where they completed their earthly journey, from where they ascended to the Kingdom of Heaven, we gather in order to be with them.

“Tens of thousands of people come to Yekaterinburg for Tsar’s Days, visit churches, and take part in the Cross Procession from the Church-on-the-Blood to the monastery at Ganina Yama. And, of course, all this is done not for the sake of satisfying curiosity, but for the sake of boldly asking our God, the Lord Jesus Christ, His Most-Pure Mother and, of course, the members of the Imperial Family who have pleased God, to help us in what we need very much now: to hear the Word of God, to repent for our sins, to be able to build up our families. our country and admonition in the errors in which we live.

“I invite all of you to share this prayer. You remember the words of the Saviour: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I with them.” Let us be with Him and with the Imperial Family. Let us stay close, talk to them, and receive help from them in these unbearable days, as it seems to some, circumstances, about which the Holy Tsar once prophesied.

“I think that the Tsar will inspire us to new labours, to correct our mistakes, and to make Russia holy again.

“I invite all of you to visit Yekaterinburg on July 16-17 this year and take part in the Cross Procession and walk the Tsar’s Path together!”

Metropolitan Evgeny of Yekaterinburg and Verkhoturye

FURTHER READING

What is Tsar’s Days + PHOTOS

© Paul Gilbert. 28 June 2026

Nicholas II’s ‘Italian Corridor’ opens in Livadia Palace

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: the former Italian Corridor or Sofa Room of Nicholas II in the Livadia Palace

On 23rd June 2026, the former Italian Corridor of Emperor Nicholas II in the Livadia Palace, welcomed visitors to visitors for the first time in 15 years. The opening of this interior is part of the museum’s plans to expand and develop the former rooms of the Imperial Family in their Crimean residence.

Also known as the ‘Sofa Room’, this unique space was designed by the famous architect Nikolai Petrovich Krasnov (1864-1939). The Italian Corridor was part of the ceremonial rooms of the palace, connecting the Vestibuke with Nicholas II’s Billiard Room. The Tsar sometimes used this interior as a smoking room, although he preferred to smoke in the open air.

PHOTO: the former Italian Corridor or Sofa Room of Nicholas II in the Livadia Palace

During the Yalta Conference (4–11 February 1945), the Italian Corridor was used as the dining room of US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945).

The door connecting the Italian Corridor with the Billiard Room is delicately disguised in chestnut wood panels that line the room from ceiling to floor. Visitors to the palace in the early 20th century, often referred to it as the “Chamber of Secrets”

PHOTO: former Billiard Room of Nicholas II in the Livadia Palace

© Paul Gilbert. 25 June 2026

America’s second bust-monument to Nicholas II installed in California

Posted on by Paul Gilbert

On 14th June 2026, a new bust-monument to Emperor Nicholas II was unveiled and consecrated on the grounds of the Church of All Russian Saints (ROCOR) in Burlingame (app.17 miles south of San Francisco), California. This is the second bust-monument to Russia’s last Tsar to be installed in the United States.

Several hundred parishioners attended the event, which was timed to the third Sunday after Pentecost and the Feast of All Saints Who Shone Forth in the Russian Land.

His Grace Bishop Peter of Seattle celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with His Grace were the parish Rector, Mitred Archpriest Stefan Pavlenko, and clergy of the Western American Diocese.

Following the Divine Liturgy, a procession took place during which a monument to the Holy Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II was blessed. The monument was erected through the efforts of Anna Generalova.

The honour of unveiling the bust-monument was given to the benefactors of the project and a descendant of the House of Romanov, Princess Victoria Golitsyna.

Princess Victoria Golitsyna is a descendant of Emperor Paul I on her father’s side and a great-great-great-granddaughter of Emperor Alexander III on her mother’s side. Her participation gave the ceremony a special historical meaning and symbolism.

In the courtyard of the parish a beautifully decorated exhibition dedicated to the Imperial Family was presented. High-quality photographs, historical materials and stands told about the life of Emperor Nicholas II, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna and their children.

The bronze bust was a copy of the work of the famous Russian sculptor Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Klykov (1938-2006).

Recall that the first bust-monument to Nicholas II installed in the United States took place on 17th July 2018, in the Synodal Cathedral of Our Lady of the Sign in New York City – also a copy of Klykov’s.

According to the head of the Foundation “Under the Protection of the Mother of God” Eugene (Evgeny) Korolev:

“This image was first made before the revolution, out of stone. During Perestroika in the Soviet Union, vandals desecrated it,” Korolev explained. “After the fall of the USSR, in 1993, the bust was brought from Crimea to Moscow, to the workshop of Russian national artist Vyacheslav Klykov. He created a mold of the bust and poured it in bronze. Unfortunately, we do not know the identity of the original artist who created this marvelous work. But we do know that this monument is considered the most faithful to the likeness of Emperor Nicholas II. I would like to offer my respect to Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Klykov, for granting new life to this work of art.

© Paul Gilbert. 24 June 2026