Nicholas II | Nicholas II

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

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

Ekaterinburg prepares for Tsar’s Days 2026

Posted on July 1 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

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

Posted on June 28 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

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

Posted on June 25 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

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

Posted on June 24 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.

FURTHER READING

America’s first bust of Nicholas II was installed in New York City in 2018 + PHOTOS and VIDEO

New monument to Nicholas II unveiled in Ussuriysk

Posted on June 5 by Paul Gilbert

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.

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.

The baptism of Russia’s last Tsar – 2nd June 1868

Posted on June 2 by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: the baptism of Grand Duke Nicholas Alexandrovich [future Tsesarevich and Emperor] on 2nd June (O.S. 20th May) 1868, by Mihály Zichy (1827-1906). The watercolour depicts four baptismal scenes, and two of them show Alexander II holding his grandson in his arms.

On 2nd June (O.S. 20th May) 1868 – two weeks after his birth on 19th (O.S. 6th) May 1868 – His Imperial Highness Grand Ouke Nicholas Alexandrovich was baptised in the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in the Catherine Palace at Tsarskoye Selo. The baptism was performed by the Imperial family’s confessor Protopresbyter Vasily Bazhanov (1800-1883).

The boy received the traditional name for the House of Romanov – Nicholas. He was named in memory of his father’s elder brother and mother’s first fiancé, Tsesarevich Nikolai Alexandrovich (1843-1865), who died at the age of 21, from cerebro-spinal meningitis.

“You can’t imagine how happy Minnie [future Empress Maria Feodorovna] and I are to be able to name our first child Nicholas,” Tsesarevich Alexander Alexandrovich [future Emperor Alexander III] wrote to his uncle Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolaevich (1832-1909) – “and how dear that name is to both of us, after so many sad memories of poor Nyx.”

The infant’s paternal grandfather Emperor Alexander II echoed his son’s joy in a letter to the Danish king and the maternal grandfather of the newborn Christian IX: “The birth of little Nicholas was also the fulfillment of all our prayers, and you will surely understand why we gave him this name, which is doubly dear to us.”

Emperor Alexander II, took a very active role in the solemn ceremony. He clearly understood that not only was this his first grandson, but also that a future Emperor was being baptised. It is noteworthy that during the baptism, both Alexander II and his son, Tsesarevich Alexander Alexandrovich, acted as assistants to the lady of state. The fact that the father, breaking tradition, took an active part in the baptism[1], apparently, was due to its historic significance. Two emperors, current and future, held their successor in their arms, strengthening the foundation of the infant’s legitimacy[2].

PHOTO: late 19th century view of the Church of the Resurrection
of Christ in the Catherine Palace at Tsarskoye Selo

As for the mother [future Empress Maria Feodorovna], she did not have the right to be present at the baptism of her baby at all [in accordance with a tradition that originates in the Old Testament]. However, even if Maria Fedorovna wanted to break the custom, she could not do so, due to the fact that her doctors advised her not to walk following the birth of her son, and instructed her to rest on that eventful the day. [3]

The infant’s godparents were the newborn’s grandfather, Emperor Alexander II, maternal grandmother, Queen Louise of Denmark, his uncle, Crown Prince Frederick of Denmark, and Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna[4].

It was Alexander II and Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna, who carried the baby to the font for baptism. In addition, Nicholas Alexandrovich’s godparents, his Danish grandmother and uncle, Queen Louise and Crown Prince Friedrich took part.

Tsesarevuch Alexander Alexandrovich described the day’s events as follows:

“The entrance was magnificent, and there were a lot of people in the palace and also in the garden. The little one was transported in a golden carriage with much pomp and ceremony, accompanied by an escort on horseback.”

During the ceremonial procession through the halls of the Catherine Palace at Tsarskoye Selo, the newborn was carried to the palace church by the lady of state Princess [Alexandra Aleekseevna] Kurakina (1840-1919), supported on the one side by the State Chancellor Prince [Alexander Mikhailovich] Gorchakov (1798-1883), and on the other by Field Marshal Prince Alexander [Ivanovich] Baryatinsky (1815-1879) – both old and lame, but they endured excellently and helped as much as they could.

“The exit was magnificent, and , still there were a lot of people in the palace and also in the garden,’ Tsesarevich Alexander described the day of his son’s christening to Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolayevich. – “Tsarskoye Selo was unrecognizable that day; the streets were full of people and carriages, the whole city is celebrating. At 5 o’clock, a large banquet was held in the Great Hall, which was lit splendidly by the sun. It’s been a very tiring day, and poor Mama [Empress Maria Alexandrovna] is very tired. After the baptism, the entire family gathered at my place [the Alexander Palace] to congratulate Minnie [Grand Duchess Maria Feodorovna], and all little ones were there too. An excellent breakfast was served, and then everyone went home.”

Nearly 13 years later, in March 1881, Grand Duke Nicholas Alexandrovich became the Heir Tsesarevich, and in October 1894, he became Russia’s last Emperor and Tsar.

Prince Pyotr Vyazemsky (1792-1878), a poet and friend of Alexander Pushkin, dedicated the poem “May 6, 1868” to the birth of Grand Duke Nicholas Alexandrovich – future Emperor Nicholas II, referring to the infants feelings of his paternal grandmother, Empress Maria Alexandrovna:

Yesterday, a beauty, you are a grandmother today.
Yes, grandmother! So what is it? Great, good luck!
Providence has rewarded you with the cherished blessing.
We admired the Empress Mother in you,
We admire the Tsarina-grandmother twice.
To the family crown and to the imperial crown
A living flower clings to it, a native treasure.

Your grandmother’s name, of course, does not suit you,
But in this word you have such a charm of sound,
There’s so much love in him, so much happiness in him
That, blessing your grandson with a joyful tear,
You are young in heart, as young in face.
And your feelings, and your joy,
Having responded with its soul, Russia is no stranger to
And prays with you over the sweet cradle,
In which the star of the future glows.

NOTES:

[1] According to Orthodox tradition at that time, the father was required to leave the church at the time of the baptism of his child, giving way to the godfather. Emperor Nicholas II was not in the church when his son Alexei was baptised in August 1904.

[2] Zimin, Igor Viktorovich. Children’s world of imperial residences. Life of monarchs and their environment. Baptism of children. 2010

[3] Ibid.

[4] Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna (1807-1873), born Princess Charlotte of Württemberg, the wife of Grand Duke Michael Pavlovich, the youngest son of Emperor Paul I and Duchess Sophie Dorothea of Württemberg – later Empress Maria Feodorovna.

***

I am dedicated to clearing the name of Russia’s much slandered Tsar. If you enjoy all the articles, news, photos, and videos on my blog, please help support my work in the coming year ahead by making a donation. I am reaching out to friends and followers with a request for making a small $5 or $10 donation in aid of my research.

These donations are of great assistance in helping me offset the cost of obtaining and translating documents from Russian archival and media sources, which are often paid for out of my own pocket. It is these documents which help present new facts and information on the life and reign of Nicholas II. In addition, my research continues to debunk many of the myths and lies which exist more than a century after Nicholas II’s death and martyrdom.

As a token of my gratitude, please accept a copy of my 22-page booklet Nicholas II Bibliography – it’s FREE! My 2026 edition features a NEW 4-page article about Nicholas II’s libraries and book collection; 8 black and white photos; and a list of more than 125 English-language books on the life and reign of Nicholas II.

Please note, that there is NO obligation, the booklet is FREE to every one! ENJOY!

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION

NEW BOOK – Sovereign No. 17 (Summer 2026)

Posted on May 31 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 PAPERBACK EDITION @ $20.00 USD

English. Large format 8-1/2″ x 11-1/2″.
132 pages. 122 Black & White photos

The No. 17 Summer 2026 issue of SOVEREIGN features 21 articles about Russia’s last Tsar, his family, the Romanov dynasty and the history of Imperial Russia. These articles have been researched and written by independent historian and author Paul Gilbert. His works are based on new research from Russian archival and media sources.

In an effort to preserve his 30+ years of research, the author has reproduced a selection of the more than 1,000 articles he has written for his blog. They are made available in a printed format for the first time. The author has updated many of the articles in this issue with additional information and photos. In addition, this issue features one new First English translation.

The No. 17 issue features the following 21 articles:

[1] 130th anniversary of the Holy Coronation of Emperor Nicholas II

[2] Sir Thomas Preston Recalls Ekaterinburg, 1918

[3] Six new monuments of Nicholas II installed in Russian cities

[4] Exhibition: ‘The Era of Nicholas II’ opens in Livadia

[5] ‘The Tsar’s Omen’ Exhibition opens in St. Petersburg

[6] First governor of Sverdlovsk regrets the ROC has not recognized the Ekaterinburg Remains

[7] Alexander Nikolaevich Avdonin 1932-2026

[8] Exhibition: ‘Fans pf Empress Maria Feodorovna – 1860s to 1910s

[9] The Church of the Saviour on the Waters to be restored in St. Petersburg

[10] Livadia Palace and Park to undergo large-scale restoration

[11] 300th Anniversary of the reign of the House of Romanov 1913

[12] Lenin’s presence on Red Square continues to rile Russians

[13] The assassination of Grigorii Rasputin

[14] The LAST grand duke and grand duchess of Russia

[15] Letters of Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna donated to St. Petersburg museum

[16] Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna’ s archive donated to GARF

[17] ‘History Returned’ Exhibition opens in Moscow

[18] Conference: ‘Emperor Nicholas II and Dialogue with the Islamic World’

[19] Could the Ipatiev House in Ekaterinburg have been saved?

[20] Lost Orthodox Churches of Imperial Russia: Cathedral of Christ the Saviour (Borki)

[21 ] Derussification in Ukraine “erases” the Romanov dynasty

***

Back issues of SOVEREIGN

No. 16 Winter 2026

No. 15 Summer 2025

No. 14 Winter 2025

No. 13 Summer 2024

No. 12 Winter 2024

NOTE: back issues of Nos. 1 to 12 are now out of print.
Second-hand copies are available on AMAZON and eBay.

130th anniversary of the Holy Coronation of Emperor Nicholas II

Posted on May 27 by Paul Gilbert

NOTE: when referring to dates in this article, I have used the Old Style (O. S.) Juliann Calendar, which in the 20th century was 12 days behind the New Style Hregorian Calendar used in the West. In the 21st century, the Julian calendar is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar – PG

Today – 27th (O.S. 14th) May – marks the 130th anniversary of the Holy Coronation of Emperor Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna in Moscow. The celebrations – which lasted 3 weeks, from 7th May to 27th May 1896 – marked the crowning of Russia’s last Tsar.

The responsibility for the preparation of the coronation was assigned to the Minister of the Imperial Court Count Illarion Ivanovich Vorontsov-Dashkov (1837-1916), who was appointed to the rank of Supreme Marshal. The preparations began in early as February 1895.

A coronation detachment was formed consisting of 82 battalions, 36 squadrons, 9 hundreds, and 28 batteries under the command of the new Emperor’s uncle Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich (1847-1909).

The coronation of 1896 is considered one of the most magnificent and expensive in the history of the Russian Empire, according to some estimates, about 7 million rubles (about $5.38 million USD)[1]. For the manufacture of three mantles (for Nicholas II, Alexandra Feodorovna and the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna) 6,561 rubles (about $5,046 USD)[1] were paid for the fabric alone.

Tsesarevich and Grand Duke Nicholas Alexandrovich became Emperor on 2nd November [O.S. 20th October] 1894 – the day marking the death of his father, Emperor Alexander III (1845-1894). However, a respectable period of mourning was the reason his coronation was postponed for a year and a half.

After the death of Emperor Alexander III, a year of mourning was declared. All magnificent solemn state events were cancelled during this time. Nicholas II himself selected the date of the coronation, taking into account various circumstances, including the church calendar[2] – church fasts and holidays. There was no need to hurry, because the coronation celebrations were preceded by grandiose preparations.

PHOTO: the Imperial Reglaia is laid out in St. Andrew’s Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, in preparation for the Holy Coronation of Emperor Nicholas II. May 1896

On 1st January (O.S.) 1896, Emperor Nicholas II in his Imperial Manifesto announced the date of his coronation in Moscow.

On 14th (1st O.S.) January, 1896, the Imperial Manifesto “On the Upcoming Sacred Coronation of Their Imperial Majesties” was issued, according to which the coronation ceremony was to take place in May of that year.

On 4th April (O.S.) 1896, the Imperial regalia were delivered by train from the Diamond Room of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg to the Armoury Chamber in Moscow. The Imperial Regalia consisted of the Great Imperial Crown, the Small Crown, the Imperial Sceptre, the Imperial Orb, the Mantle, the Big Chain and Star of the Order of St. Andrew, the state shield, the state sword, and the state seal.

Moscow began to prepare for the celebrations. An eyewitness wrote: “Moscow is now unrecognizable, even for a native Muscovite. As if by magic, here and there, more and more new structures appear – one richer and more elegant than the other. Pavilions, obelisks, masts, towers and turrets decorated with double-headed eagles, monograms, coats of arms – what luxury, what brilliance, what beauty!”

The coronation was covered by both domestic and foreign media sources. Famous Russian artists were also invited to sketch and paint the celebrations: Viktor Vasnetsov, Ilya Repin, Valentin Serov, Vladimir Makovsky, Andrei Ryabushkin and Mikhail Nesterov. Commissioned by the Academy of Arts, their paintings and portraits were reproduced in the Coronation Album, which was published in 1899 in Russian and French editions.

In May 1896, four French cameramen from the Lumiere Brothers (Paris) arrived in Moscow to film the coronation celebrations of Emperor Nicholas II. The organizer of the shooting of the film was Camille Cerf. He filmed the entire solemn procession of the route in 35 mm, duration 1 hour 33 min. It is immportant to note that cameras were not permitted inside Orthodox churches at the time. It was to be he first full-length documentary-film made in Russia. A copy of the film was presented by Lumiere to Emperor Nicholas II, which apparently, met with his approval.

PHOTO: A splendid study of the Coronation of Emperor Nicholas II on 27th May (O.S. 14th) May, 1896 in Moscow. In this work, the Tsar is depicted wearing the Great Imperial Crown of the Russian Empire, while placing a second Small Imperial Crown on the head of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. Artist: Danish artist Laurits Regner Tuxen (1853–1927).

The coronation celebrations lasted from May 6 to May 26 (old style), 1896.

On 6th (O.S.) May – the birthday of Emperor Nicholas II – The August couple arrived at the Petrovsky Traveling Palace near Moscow. Starting from 1797, all Russian Emperors and Empresses stopped here before their official entry into Moscow for their coronation in the Assunption [aka Dormition] Cathedral, situated in the heart of the Kremlin.

Long before the appointed day, guests from all over the Russian Empire and abroad began to arrive in Moscow. By the time of the Tsar’s arrival – his birthday, 6th (O.S.) May – the whole of Moscow was decorated with flags and coloured lanterns. On 9th (O.S.) May, the ceremonial entry from the Petrovsky Palace, situated on the outskirts of Moscow into the capital took place.

According to the memoirs of eyewitnesses of the event, “the life in the city was incredible. People were moving through the streets in continuous streams… The troops, numbering about fifty thousand, stood in trellises along the entire eight-kilometer route to the Kremlin. The first to set off were two golden carriages decorated with precious stones, each drawn by eight white horses, the carriages of the Empress and the Dowager Empress, followed by the Emperor on horseback. He also rode on a white horse. All the people stood with their heads bare, shouting a resounding ‘Hurrah!'”

On the morning of 14th (O.S.) May, the Imperial Regalia were brought from the Armoury Chamber to the Assumption Cathedral, at 9 a.m. At 9:15 the Dowager Empress proceeded to the cathedral. At 10 a.m., the procession of Emperor Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna began from the halls of the Grand Kremlin Palace to the Assumption Cathedral.

Princess Maria Sergeyevna Baryatinskaya (1872-1933) recalled: “Emperor Nicholas wore the uniform of the Preobrazhensky Regiment – the oldest Guards regiment, and the Empress was dressed in a white Russian dress trimmed with pearls. Since they had not yet been crowned, no symbols of power were carried before them. The Empress was exceptionally beautiful… The Emperor’s eyes were bright, as if he was looking to the future with hope and confidence.”

Three thrones were placed in the Assumption Cathedral: for the Emperor, the Empress and the Dowager Empress. These were the thrones of Tsars Ivan III Vasilyevich, Mikhail Feodorovich and Alexei Mikhailovich.[3]

PHOTO: Confirmation of Nicholas II in the Assumption Cathedral. 1896.
Artist: Valentin Alexandrovich Serov (1865–1911)

The solemn rite of the Holy Coronation began. The Tsar read aloud the Orthodox Symbol of Faith and crossed himself three times. After the prayers and the reading of the Holy Gospel, Metropolitan Palladius[4] (1827-1898) laid his hands on the head of the Tsar in the form of a cross and read a prayer, calling upon the Lord to vouchsafe “Thy faithful servant the Great Tsar Nicholas Alexandrovich” with anointing “with the oil of joy, to clothe Him with power from on high, to place a crown on His head and to grant Him many days.” Then an ermine-trimmed mantle was placed over Nicholas II’s shoulders, and he wore a diamond chain of the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called. The Emperor was presented with the Great Imperial Crown, which was given to him by Metropolitan Palladius. The Emperor took the crown and placed it on his own head. Then the Metropolitan handed the Tsar the scepter and orb.

Wearing the mantle and the Great Imperial Crown of the Russian Empire, holding the scepter in his right hand and the orb in his left, the Tsar sat on the throne. Then Emperor Nicholas Alexandrovich placed on the Empress’s head a small crown, then an ermine-trimmed mantle and diamond chain of the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called.

The Divine Liturgy began, at which the Anointing of the Tsar was performed, and the Emperor and the Empress communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries. It should be noted that the Tsar communed in the altar “according to the imperial rite,” as the clergy do.

In the evening, Moscow lit up with multi-colored lights. The electric illumination consisting of 500,000 lights was created from drawings by artists Nikolai Karazin, Alexandre Benois and Alexei Prokofiev. According to the memoirs of an eyewitness, “the Kremlin illuminations lit up in an instant, at the very moment when the Empress took in her hands a bouquet of electric flowers presented to her. The bouquet lit up, and at that moment the whole Kremlin lit up with multi-colored electric lights, as if painted with a fiery brush in the darkened sky.”

The coronation surpassed all previous ones in pomp and splendour. According to the testimonies of the participants of the event, including foreigners, it was the most impressive sight in their lives.

The last Holy Coronation and Chrismation in Imperial Russia was complete. The Emperor and the Empress were united with Russia, with her subjects.

The 22-year reign of the last Emperor was filled with both glorious and tragic pages. The words of Metropolitan Sergius (Lyapidevsky) of Moscow (1867-1944) came true, who gave the August couple a parting word on the day of the coronation, saying: “just as there is no higher or more difficult royal power on earth, there is no burden heavier than royal service.”

PHOTO: Watercolour depicting the illuminations decorating the Kremlin in Moscow, on the day of the Holy Coronation of Emperor Nicholas II, on 27th May (O.S. 14th) May, 1896. ARTIST: Nikolai Nikolaevich Karazin (1842-1908)

NOTES

[1] In 1896, the official rate introduced during the monetary reform was used for recalculation: the ruble was equated to 0,386 troy ounce of pure gold, and the US dollar was worth about 0,0483 troy ounce. Thus, The ruble was valued at about 0,797 US. Note: the direct conversion of currencies from the 19th century to modern dollars does not have an exact economic equivalent due to changes in the price structure, but taking into account dollar inflation, the purchasing power of this amount would be ten times greater.

[2] Up until 1918 Russia used the Old Style Julian calendar, which was 12 days behind the New Style Gregorian calendar used in the West. In the 21st century, the Julian calendar is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar.

[3] Following the coronation, the three thrones were moved into St. Andrew’s Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace. The fate of the thrones is unknown, although they could be in the Collection of the State Armoury in Moscow. In 1939 the thrones were replaced by a marble statue of Lenin. When St. Andew’s Hall was restored in the 1990s, replicas of the three thrones were placed in their historic spot of the grand ceremonial hall.

[4] Bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church; 18 October 1892 until his death he served as Metropolitan of St. Petersburg and Ladoga, the first member of the Most Holy Synod.

***

My #1 Bestseller for more than 20 years!!

THE CORONATION OF TSAR NICHOLAS II
Compiled and Edited by Paul Gilbert

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ORDER FROM AMAZON

HARD COVER EDITION – PRICE $30.00

PAPERBACK EDITION – PRICE $25.00

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Available in hard cover and paperback editions, with 456 pages
PLUS more than 200 black & white photographs

Six eyewitness accounts of the crowning of Russia’s last tsar with more than 200 rare vintage photographs & illustrations

The pomp and pageantry surrounding the Coronation of Nicholas II is told through the eye-witness accounts of six people who attended this historic event at Moscow, held over a three week period from 6th (O.S.) to 26th (O.S.) May 1896.