Events and Exhibitions

Cross Procession to Russia’s greatest monument to Nicholas II held near Moscow

PHOTO: on 15th July 2026, a moleben was served for Nicholas II, near the Church of the Annunciation of the Holy Mother of God, n the village of Taininskoye

On 15th July 2026, a Cross Procession was held in the village of Taininskoye (Mytishchi district). situated 19 km northeast of Moscow. The village is home to Russia’s greatest monument to Emperor Nicholas II – by the Russian sculptor Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Klykov (1938-2006).

A Divine Liturgy was performed in the beautiful 17th-century Church of the Annunciation of the Holy Mother of God [built in 1675-1677]. From there, some 500 pilgrims walked to the nearby monument to Emperor Nicholas II.

PHOTO: View of the Church of the Annunciation of the Holy Mother of God [built in 1675-1677], in the village of Taininskoye [Mytishchi district]

The Orthodox faithful gathered at the monument, where a moleben [a liturgical service of supplication or thanksgiving] was served to the Holy Passion-Bearer The service was performed by Priest Victor Seleznev, who serves as chairman of the Department for Organized Orthodox Recreation, Pilgrimage and Tourism of the Sergiev Posad Diocese.

From there, the pilgrims set off on a 5-day Cross Procession, on foot to the Trinity-Sergius Lavra – a distance of nearly 100 km. [62 miles] This year, they were joined by Cossacks of the Central Cossack Army. The event has been held annually since 2017, one which has the blessing of Bishop Kirill of Sergiev Posad and Dmitrov with the support of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society (IOPS).

Recall that since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, more than 100 monuments, busts and memorial plaques have been installed in 36 regions across Russia. As of 16th July, there have been 9 monuments installed in cities and towns across the Russian Federation this year alone.

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PHOTO: Cross Procession at the monument to Nicholas II in Taininskoye (2024)

PHOTO: Cross Procession at the monument to Nicholas II in Taininskoye (2025)

FURTHER READING

Taininskoye: the site of Russia’s greatest monument to Nicholas II + PHOTOS and VIDEO

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

Posted on 8 Days Ago 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 . . .

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

Posted on 18 Days Ago 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.”

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.

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

Posted on 24 Days Ago 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 celebrates Russia Day on “Russian soil”

Posted on June 12 by Paul Gilbert

His Excellency Oleg Stepanov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Canada
with historian and author Paul Gilbert, during a reception held at the
Russian Embassy in Ottawa, Canada on 11th June 2026

On Thursday, 11th June 2026, I celebrated Russia National Day on “Russian soil” in Canada. I was just one of the guests invited to attend a reception held at the Russian Embassy in Ottawa. I was truly honoured to be invited to this event, as it gave me an opportunity to celebrate my heartfel love for Russia, it’s history and it’s people.

I travelled to our nation’s capital by train, a four-hour journey from where I currently live. I have not been on a Canadian train since I was 4 years old – that was 65 years ago!! As this was a special occasion, I decided to travel Business Class, which made the journey all the more enjoyable. I was served a hot breakfast on the way to Ottawa, and a hot dinner on the way home, the latter of which was served with a delightful red wine from the Niagara region of Ontario. I appreciated the extra perks that came with Business Class, such as use of the Business Class Lounge in Ottawa and priority boarding.

PHOTO: In the foreground, Paul Gilbert with Oleg Stepanov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Canada and his wife Mrs. Julia Stepanova, during a reception held at the Russian Embassy in Ottawa, Canada on 11th June 2026

Upon arrived each guest was warmly greeted by His Excellency Oleg Stepanov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Canada and his wife Mrs. Julia Stepanova. All the guests were photographed with their hosts.

Between 100-200 people attended the reception. They included ambassadors and other diplomats from countries friendly to Russia, Orthodox priests, academics, historians, among others. The guests – both gentlemen and ladies were impeccably dressed for the event.

After all the guests had arrived, His Excellency gave a speech followed by a toast, wishing every one present a “Happy Russia National Day’. A buffet of Russian delicacies was offered to guests, the main tale of which was crowned with a Russian samovar.

It was a very friendly event: smiling guests mingled and chatted, while clinking glasses. I met some very interesting people, and my tie received a number of compliments. I had ordered a special white, blue and red tie – the colour of the Russian flag for the event. I also had an opportunity of speaking with His Excellency and His wife privately, in which we discussed Russian history and other mutual interests.

PHOTO: my invitation to attend a reception in honour of Russia National Day
held at the Russian Embassy in Ottawa, Canada on 11th June 2026

Russia Day is the national holiday of the Russian Federation, celebrated annually on 12th June. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty by the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) in 1990, marking the beginning of the country’s modern constitutional history.

The holiday was originally known as Independence Day and later renamed “Day of Adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty” before officially becoming Russia Day in 2002. It is a national public holiday in Russia, characterized by a day off for the general population. Celebrations focus on national pride, unity, and heritage, and typically include award ceremonies, festive events and fireworks.

С Днем России всем моим друзьям в России!

Happy Russia Day to all my friends in Russia!

New exhibition to showcase Nicholas II’s wedding uniform

Posted on June 4 by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: the red uniform of the Colonel of His Majesty’s Hussar Life Guards
Regiment, worn by Emperor Nicholas II at his wedding in November 1894
© Tsarskoye Selo State Museum

On 10th June 2026, a new exhibition Tsarskoye Selo. Masterpieces of the Imperial Residence, will open at the Museum of Fine Arts in Ekaterinburg. The exhibition will showcase some 360 items from the Collection of the Tsarskoye Selo State Museum.

One section of the exhibition will be devoted to Russia’s last Tsar and the Alexander Palace. Among the many historic items is the uniform worn by Emperor Nicholas II at his wedding in November 1894.

His Majesty wore the red dress uniform with medals of the Colonel of His Majesty’s Hussar Life Guards Regiment and an orange sash of the Order of Hesse and by Rhine. Nicholas II served as Regiment colonels-in-chief of the regiment (established in 1775), from the day of his ascension to the throne in November 1894 to his abdication in March 1917.

On the lining of the collar, there is a silk label with the text: “His Majesty was married in this uniform. Save forever.”

PHOTO: Emperor Nicholas II depicted wearing the red
uniform Colonel of the Life Guards Hussar Regiment, 1894

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

The Museum of Fine Arts celebrates it’s 90th anniversary this year – the author of this article visited the museum in July 2018.

The exhibition Tsarskoye Selo. Masterpieces of the Imperial Residence runs until 16th August 2026 at the Museum of Fine Arts in Ekaterinburg.

Conference: “Emperor Nicholas II and Dialogue with the Islamic World”

Posted on May 20 by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: Metropolitan Kirill of Kazan and Tatarstan

On 19th May 2026, a scientific and practical conference Emperor Nicholas II and Dialogue with the Islamic World was held at the Diocesan Pilgrim Center in the Russian city of Kazan. The event was timed to the 158th anniversary of the birth of Russia’s last Tsar.

The conference was attended by historians and public figures of Tatarstan, clergymen of the Kazan diocese, representatives of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan, media representatives, students and those interested in the history of Russia. Admission was FREE.

The meeting was moderated by the head of the diocesan missionary department, Father Alexander Ermolin.

Metropolitan Kirill of Kazan and Tatarstan addressed the audience with a welcoming speech:

Dear friends, brothers and sisters!

Today we celebrate the 158th anniversary of the birth of the Holy Tsar-Passion-Bearer Nicholas II. As is known, he visited Kazan on numerous occasions to meet with his spiritual mentor, Elder Gabriel of Sedmiezerny, and expressed his wish that a church be founded at the place where the miraculous image of the Queen of Heaven was found. In 1913, the church was built and consecrated in honour of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

During the reconstruction of the Kazan Cathedral, the Cave Church was also restored. It was consecrated by Vladyka Feofan of blessed memory and Metropolitan Mark of Berlin in February 2020.

It is gratifying that today’s conference is attended by professionals who have a deep knowledge of the topic to which this scientific forum is dedicated. We are pleased to welcome Pyotr Valentinovich Multatuli, Doctor of Historical Sciences and great-grandson of Ivan Mikhailovich Kharitonov, who was with the Tsar to the last and died with him in the basement of the Ipatiev House. We also warmly welcome Yuri Sergeevich Pyltsin, Candidate of Historical Sciences, one of the founders of the group of historical parks “Russia is My History”, employee of the Museum of the Tsar’s Family in Yekaterinburg.

It must be said that the historical figure of Emperor Nicholas II is one of the most slandered in our society and state. Unfortunately, many people cannot assess the scale of the sovereign’s personality, because for various reasons they do not have reliable knowledge of what was done for the benefit of the people during the 22 years of his rule.

Today, here in Kazan, we would like not only to tell about the Tsar and his life, about the achievements of the Russian Empire, to share new facts, but also to touch upon the important and interesting topic of the relationship between the Tsar-Passion-Bearer and the Islamic community.

PHOTO: Pyotr [Peter] Multatuli

Rishat Hazrat Khamidullin wgi, who serves as Deputy Mufti of the Republic of Tatarstan for Information Policy and General Director of the Huzur Publishing House, was also a guest speaker at the conference. In his talk, he stressed that the topic of Emperor Nicholas II’s relations with the Muslim world is key to understanding Russia as a multinational and multi-religious state. He recalled that at the beginning of the 20th century, more than 30 million Muslims lived in the Russian Empire. Rishat Hazrat noted that the era of the reign of Emperor Nicholas II can be called a time of active development of Muslim public life and education, as well as interreligious relations.

During the forum, papers were presented on a wide range of topics. Below is a full list of the topics discussed at the Emperor Nicholas II and Dialogue with the Islamic World conference on 19th May 2026:

– Dialogue between Emperor Nicholas II and the Muslims of the Russian Empire;

– the service of the modern Russian nobility;

– monarchist sentiments of the Cossaks of the Caucasus during the Civil War;

– the contribution of the Kazan province to the defense of Russia in the First World War;

– Traditions of mercy and acts of charity of the Imperial Family;

– Tatar noble families during the era of Nicholas II;

— the spiritual roots of the Russian Time of Troubles.

The Emperor Nicholas II and Dialogue with the Islamic World conference provided an opportunity for participants to comprehend the historical experience of interreligious dialogue and service to the Fatherland.

Exhibition: ‘The Era of Nicholas II’ opens at Livadia Palace

Posted on May 17 by Paul Gilbert

On 14th May 2026, a new public exhibition The Era of Nicholas II opened at Livadia. The outdoor photo-exhibit features 100 historical photographs 0f Emperor Nicholas II and his family.

The photographs are depicted on banners, which have been mounted on the brick walls near the former house of Count Vladimir Borisovich Frederiks (1838-1927), who served as Minister of the Imperial Court between 1897 and 1917. His residence is situated on the path which leads to both the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and the Livadia Palace.

A significant part of the photographs reflect the visits of Emperor Nicholas II and members of his family to the Crimea, as well as other interesting pages of history related to the state and social activities of the last Russian Tsar, who is now glorified as a saint.

The exhibition received the blessing of Metropolitan Tikhon of Simferopol and Crimea and was prepared by the caring parishioners of the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross with the support of the brethren of the Moscow Sretensky Monastery.

PHOTO: many of the photos in the exhibition reflect the Imperial Family’s visits to Crimea. In the photo above: Nicholas and Alexandra at Ai-Petri (left) Nicholas II tests new uniforms for the soldiers of his army (right). Both photos were taken during their visit in the Autumn of 1909

Recall that up until 1911, Nicholas II and his family stayed in the Small (Maly) Palace during their visits to Livadia. From 1911, the Imperial Family stayed at their iconic white stone palace overlooking the Black Sea.

The new palace was constructed in the Italian Neo-Renaissance style by the Russian architect Nikolai Krasnov (1864-1939), on the site of the Large wooden palace. It is interesting to note, that Emperor Nicholas II spent about 4 million gold rubles on the construction palace. The palace contains 116 rooms, with interiors furnished in different styles.

The Imperial family stayed in the New Livadia Palace in the autumn of 1911 and 1913 and in the spring of 1912 and 1914, their visits lasting months at a time.

It was here in Livadia that Emperor Alexander III died on 2nd November [O.S. 20th October] 1894. The same day, his son and heir Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich ascended the throne. It was also at Livadia that the holy righteous John of Kronstadt (1829-1908) anointed Princess Alice of Hesse, who became the Orthodox faithful Grand Duchess and future Empress Alexandra Feodorovna.

According to Lieutenant-General Alexander Alexandrovich Mossolov (1854-1939), who served as Head of the Office of the Ministry of the Imperial Court, Nicholas II considered moving the capital of the Russian Empire from St. Petersburg to Yalta.

Emperor Nicholas II visited Livadia a total of 13 times, his last visit was in May 1916 – three months before the outbreak of World War I. The Imperial Train arrived in Sebastopol on 12th May, and on 16th May, the Tsar and his family visited Yevpatoria.

Following the Tsar’s abdication 15th March 1917 (O.S. 2nd March) 1917, Nicholas requested that he and his family be allowed to settle permanently at Livadia, however, his request was denied by the new Provisional Government in Petrograd.

On 19th May 2015, a bust monument to Emperor Nicholas II was unveiled at the main entrance to the Livadia Palace. It is made of artificial stone after the model of the sculptor A.A.Appolonov and bronze. Marble pedestal.

On 18th November 2017, in the presence of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, a monument to Emperor Alexander III was unveiled on the site of the former Small Palace.

On 27th September 2022, a restored bronze bust of Emperor Nicholas II – which was damaged with bullet holes – was unveiled and consecrated on the grounds of the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross – the home church of the Russian Imperial Family, at Livadia Palace in Crimea.

FURTHER READING

Livadia Palace marks 100th anniversary as a museum + 18 PHOTOS

Exhibition: ‘Fans of Empress Maria Feodorovna. 1860s–1910s’

Posted on May 15 by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: cover of the Fans of Empress Maria Feodorovna exhibition catalogue
– see below

On 29th April 2026, the exhibition “Fans of Empress Maria Feodorovna. 1860s–1910s” from the collection of the State Hermitage Museum[1] opened in the Small Church[2] of the Winter Palace. The exhibition presents a range of fans which belonged to Maria Feodorovna, the wife of Emperor Alexander III and mother of Emperor Nicholas II, are superb examples of the fan-maker’s art.

These items, made between the 1860s and the early 1910s, entered the Hermitage from the Anichkov Palace, the Empress’s favourite St. Petersburg residence, where she lived after her marriage to the Tsesarevich Alexander Alexandrovich, and also after his death, as the Dowager Empress.

Maria Feodorovna (1847–1928), born Princess Dagmar of Denmark, came to Russia in 1866 as the bride of the Tsesarevich (heir to the throne). The earliest fans on display are ones she brought with her from Denmark. After becoming a member of one of Europe’s wealthiest imperial houses, Maria Feodorovna was able to order accessories from leading fan producers such as Duvelleroy and Alexandre.

The exhibition features fans of foreign and Russian manufacture. Since such accessories sometimes reflected important events in Maria Feodorovna’s person’s life, the glass showcases depict different types of fans – wedding, mourning and souvenir. Maria Feodorovna’s souvenir fans were mainly keepsakes connected with events in the life of the Imperial Court – notable anniversaries, weddings, christenings, balls and masquerades (for example, in memory of a costume ball held in 1883 at the palace of Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich). A separate group is formed by fans that were diplomatic gifts from the time of the friendly Franco-Russian visits of 1891–93.

The theme of the fan as a costume accessory is complemented in the exhibition by some of the Empress’s evening gowns – which are also on display.

The exhibition curator is Yulia Valeryevna Plotnikova, Candidate of Art History, Leading Researcher in the State Hermitage’s Department of the History of Russian Culture.

The exhibition “Fans of Empress Maria Feodorovna. 1860s–1910s” runs until 28th March 2027

NOTES:

[1] A large number of Empress Maria Feodorovna’s fans are currently in the Collection of Pavlovsk Palace, where they are now on permanent display in their Museum of Costumes. Given that the Dowager Empress never lived at Pavlovsk, how did they end up there?

[2] Church of the Saviour Not Made by Hands – the home church of the Imperial family in the Winter Palace.

Empress Maria Feodorovna’s fan collection

The items on display accompanied their owner through various periods of her life, from her youth until her departure from Saint Petersburg on the eve of revolutionary events. Among these works of decorative and figurative art are some of the finest examples of one of the most feminine costume accessories, made in France and the Russian Empire by famous fan artists and easel painters, including Ivan Kramskoi and Alexei Bogoliubov.

Maria Feodorovna used many fans with a wide variety of decoration: lighter coloured ones were more suitable for balls, while darker ones, of lace with sequins, were for evening parties, social gatherings and the theatre. The leaves of fans from the 1880s–90s often have a flowering branch or bouquet painted on them, with a romantic landscape in the background. Among the “brighter” fans are two made of iridescent mother-of-pearl. The silk leaf of one of them depicts views of Seville in Spain.

Of great interest is a folding brisé fan with blades shaped like lily-of-the-valley flowers and leaves. In the 1860s–70s, there was a vogue for simple fans of smooth wooden or ivory blades, painted with flowers or decorated with photographic portraits set in a floral bouquet. Fans of this type were produced by the Austrian firm Gebrüder Rodeck, supplier to the royal courts of Austria and Great Britain, that in 1872 was also awarded the title of Supplier to the Russian Imperial Court. The young Maria Feodorovna is depicted with this fan in one of the earliest photographs taken soon after her arrival in Saint Petersburg.

By the late 1880s, fan-making began to be considered a separate form of decorative art. Producers tried to devise new shapes and saw the object itself as not just a fashion accessory but a work of art requiring special creative techniques. It was at that time that fan-making flourished anew: famous artists, whose easel works were shown at the annual Paris Salons, worked on the painting of the leaves and the carving of the frames of the finest examples. The leading fan-producing firms at this time were the Maisons Faucon and Duvelleroy, who had France’s leading decorative artists working with them.

A significant role in the development of the Art Nouveau style was played by Western artists’ fascination with the Orient, initially manifesting itself as the direct borrowing of decorative art objects – screens, tables, fans; robes and cushions embroidered with magnificent patterns; prints depicting flowers, birds, and animals – the “Chinoiserie of the second half of the 19th century”. The finest artists of the era reworked the decorative techniques that they admired with such talent and creativity that the Oriental style, having passed through Western culture and art, acquired its own unique character – asymmetrical composition, exquisite colour combinations.

At the turn of the 1890s, the rather bold creations of Charles Worth’s house came into fashion. The couturier was not afraid to combine in them contrasting colours – pink and pale green, black and yellow. Empress Maria Feodorovna also had outfits from Worth in her wardrobe. Like any work of high fashion, each such a toilette required a suitable accessory. That might be a fan of black gauze painted by Felix Gardon, with yellow dahlias and flowers seemingly emerging from the darkness.

At the same time, fans with gallant or classical subjects continued to be used. These were now described as being in the Louis XV and Louis XVI style, and includes the Watteau fan featuring shepherdesses breakfasting on the grass under a blue sky. The Empress is holding a similar fan in one of her official photographs from the early 1890s.

A separate group comprises the so-called wedding fans. For her own wedding Maria Feodorovna received two fans as gifts, both striking examples of the style known as the “Rococo Revival”. At the time, this trend bore the name of the favourite of the French king Louis XV, Madame Pompadour. However, the “Pompadour” style actually meant a unique synthesis of the artistic manners of the entire 18th century. Another “Rococo Revival” fan presented for the Tsarevna’s wedding, came in a pearl-grey velvet-covered case with a mother-of-pearl crown on the lid.

One of the fans presented to the Empress was painted by the famous Russian portraitist Ivan Kramskoi. Executed in oils on the smooth wooden blades of the fan are likenesses of Alexander III and all the imperial couple’s children. At the bottom, a basket of flowers and a pair of flying doves are depicted. Based on the ages of the children in the portraits, the fan can be dated to 1886, suggesting that it was made for the Emperor and Empress’s twentieth wedding anniversary.

Fans were also a form of diplomatic gift presented during friendly visits. A whole set of items belonging to Empress Maria Feodorovna has survived, including such ceremonial tokens. Most of them date from the Franco-Russian exchanges of 1891–93. For those occasions, the French government commissioned several fans for the Empress from the best firm of the day – Duvelleroy.

The exhibits shown, many of which are on display for the first time, reflect the taste and preferences of their former owner and also give an idea of the artistic development of that most feminine accessory – the fan – in the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries, representing a rare example of a synthesis of the arts.

Source: State Hermitage Museum

Exhibition catalogue

NOTE: this catalogue is ONLY available in Russian, there is NO English language edition. Sadly, due to the current Western economic sanctions, it is not possible to order this catalogue from the State Hermitage’s online shop – PG

The State Hermitage Publishing House has prepared a scholarly illustrated catalogue entitled Fans of Empress Maria Feodorovna. 1860–1910s” (St. Petersburg, 2026). The author of the catalogue is Yulia Valerievna Plotnikova, Leading Researcher of the Department of the History of Russian Culture of the State Hermitage, curator of the exhibition.

The publication prepared for the exhibition “Fans of Empress Maria Feodorovna. The 1860s–1910s” from the collection of the State Hermitage, offers the reader the items that accompanied their owner in different periods of her life from her youth to her departure from St. Petersburg on the eve of the revolutionary events. Among these works of applied and fine art, you can see the best examples of one of the most feminine costume accessories, made in France and the Russian Empire by famous fan artists and easel painters, including I. N. Kramskoy and A. P. Bogolyubov. A special place is occupied by the so-called souvenir fans, which served as a reminder of certain events in both private life (wedding, birth of a child) and public (balls, masquerades, concerts, coronation celebrations). Among them, a set of items stands out, which are diplomatic gifts presented to the Empress during the Franco-Russian visits of 1891-1893.

The exhibits shown at the exhibition, many of which are shown for the first time, reflect the taste and preferences of their former owner, and also give an idea of the artistic development in the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries of the most elegant accessory – the fan, which is a rare example of the synthesis of arts.

The catalogue is intended for lovers of Russian and Western European art.

The catalogue can only be purchased in the main gift shop and at the book stalls of the State Hermitage Museum.

‘History Returned’ exhibition opens in Moscow

Posted on May 5 by Paul Gilbert

On 28th April 2026, a new exhibition History Returned opened in the Exhibition Hall of the State Archives of the Russian Federation (GARF) in Moscow. The exhibition is dedicated to the Russian diaspora during the aftermath of the Bolshevik Revolution and the Russian Civil War.

After the Great Patriotic War (1941-45), the Prague archive of the Russian Foreign Historical Archive (RZIA) was transferred to the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, and in 1946 it became part of the funds of the Central State Archive of the October Revolution, now the State Archive of the Russian Federation (GARF).

This is the largest of the archives of the Russian emigration in Europe of the interwar period, from 1923 to 1945. During the Nazi occupation of Bohemia and Moravia, employees of the RZIA, did not abandon their noble cause in those difficult years, by safeguarding the archives for the history of Russia.

PHOTO: The premises of the Russian Foreign Historical Archives. Prague. 1924

The State Archive of the Russian Federation (GARF) stores a unique collection of documents on the Russian diaspora which followed the Bolshevik Revolution in October 1917 and Russian Civil War (1917-1922).

In addition are documents of political, public organizations and institutions of the Russian emigration, printed publications, drawings, photographs, leaflets, posters, maps, banknotes. The archive is further complemented by documents from the personal archives of prominent Russian state, political and military figures and well-known representatives of science and culture of the Russian emigration.

PHOTO: Registration form No. 3169 of Marina
Ivanovna Efron-Tsvetaeva, Prague, August 23, 1922

The first section of the exhibition displays documents that tell about the decades of work by the Prague Archive staff, who carried out “the collection, storage, systematization and scientific processing of materials on the history of Russia and its peoples.

Among the valuable exhibits: documents of the poetess Marina Tsvetaeva (1892-1941) and drawings of the artist Yuri Artsybushev (1877-1952), as well as documents of the First Russian Cadet Corps, the Union of Russian Military Invalide.

Of particular note are exhibits dedicated to the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church [today known as the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), which united Russian emigrants in foreign lands. These document’s became part of the RZIA in 1934, and include the note-testament of Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow and All Russia (1865-1925) of 23rd November 1923, a medal and badges made in honour of the 950th anniversary of the baptism of Russia, which was celebrated by the Russian Orthodox diaspora in 1938, are presented. .

PHOTO: Poster for the grand ball organized by Grand Duchess Kira
Kirillovna to benefit Russian military invalids in France. May 7, 1937.

The exhibition is further complemented by documents, letters, diaries and photographs, gifted to GARF by the descendants of prominent members of the Russian diaspora.

On display are documents and personal items that belonged to General Anton Denikin (1872-1947), transferred in 1992-2000 by his daughter Marina Denikina-Gray (1919-2005), as well as materials from the family collection of Admiral Alexander Kolchak (1874-1920), which were preserved for many years Paris by his widow Sophia, and subsequently acquired for the Civil Aviation of the Russian Federation by a wealthy Russian entrepreneur Leonid Mikhelson. In the same section are documents of Anna Kniper-Timiryova (1893-1975), preserved in the family of her nephew I.K. Safonov and subsequently transferred to the Civil Aviation of the Russian Federation by his son V.I. Safonov and widow L.N. Zubareva.

Exhibition documents reveal the fate of representatives of the Imperial House of Romanov, who were forced to leave Russia after 1917: photographs and other items from the archives of Grand Duke Andrei Vladimirovich (1879-1956) and collection of the Yusupov-Romanovs.

Among the key exhibits, vistors can see diaries and photographs taken onboard the British battleship HMS Marlborough, when some of the most prominent members of the Russian Imperial Family left Russia from the Crimea. Among them were Nicholas II’s mother the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna (see photo below) and her daughter Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna.

PHOTO: General Anton Ivanovich (1872-1947) Denikin
in his office at Stavka [Headquarters]. Mogilev, 1917.

The exhibition History Returned runs until 21st June 2026, in the Exhibition Hall of the State Archives of the Russian Federation (GARF) in Moscow.

PHOTO: Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna leaves Russia
onboard the battleship HMS Marlborough. 1919