Russian Orthodox Church

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

Akathist to Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II

Posted on 12 Days Ago by Paul Gilbert

An akathist is a hymn dedicated to a saint, holy event, or one of the persons of the Holy Trinity. The word akathist itself means “not sitting.” The akathist par excellence is that written in the 6th century to the Theotokos. In its use as part of the Salutations to the Theotokos service (used in the Byzantine tradition during Great Lent).

The Trisagion Prayers are often said as a prelude to the akathist hymn. The akathist hymn itself is divided into thirteen parts, each of which has a kontakion and an oikos. The kontakion usually ends with the exclamation: “Alleluia!” Within the latter part of the oikos comes an anaphoric entreaty, such as “Come!” or “Rejoice!” The thirteenth kontakion (which does not have a corresponding ikos) is usually followed by the repetition of the first ikos and kontakion. After the thirteen kontakia and ikoi, additional prayers are added, such as a troparion and another kontakion. In some akathists, Psalms are also included.

Source: Most Piour Tsar: Icons, Frescoes and Holy Images of Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II (2023)

PHOTO: a woman reads an akathist to the Holy Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II. She is standing in front of the monument to Nicholas II – the first installed in post-Soviet Russia in 1993 – on the grounds of the Feodorovsky Sovereign Cathedral at Tsarskoye Selo.

Kontakion 1

O passion-bearer chosen from birth, Christian love incarnate: we chant hymns of praise to thee, as one who loved thy homeland more than all the good things of this world. As thou hast boldness before the Lord, enlighten thou our benighted minds and hearts, that we may cry out to thee:

Rejoice, O Nicholas, divinely crowned tsar and great passion-bearer!

Ikos 1

The Creator of the angels sent thee to the Russian land as an angel of innocence and of admonition to thy people, for He chose thee after the example of His only-begotten Son, as a sacrifice of redemption for the sins of thy people; and, marveling at this providence of the Almighty concerning thee, in repentance we cry out to thee:

Rejoice, emulation of Christ! Rejoice, whole-burnt offering! Rejoice, adornment of the Russian tsars! Rejoice, confirmation of honesty and fidelity! Rejoice, sure hope of the oppressed! Rejoice, indestructible foundation of faith! Rejoice, O Nicholas, divinely crowned tsar and great passion-bearer!

Kontakion 2

The all-good Mother of God, in her domain beholding our land defiled by the abomination of decadence, chose thee from birth as the most pure man of Russia, for its purification, that we all, chanting a funeral hymn, may cry out: Alleluia!

Ikos 2

In His foreknowledge, the pre-eternal Mind appointed the much-suffering Job as an example for thy life and salvation, joining thy birth to the commemoration of that righteous one. And we, mindful of our sins and iniquities, with trepidation of heart and contrite soul, cry out to thee thus:

Rejoice, thou that didst endure accusation and temptation from thy people! Rejoice, thou that didst keep thy faith until the end! Rejoice, model of meekness! Rejoice, beacon of righteousness! Rejoice, observer of reverence toward God! Rejoice, rule of humility! Rejoice, O Nicholas, divinely crowned tsar and great passion-bearer!

Kontakion 3

The power of the Most High overshadowed thee, O divinely crowned Nicholas, who proposed a war to chastise the falsely-reasoning West, that the world might cry out to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 3

Zealous in admonishing the erring, O right-believing tsar, thou didst love the erection of churches, the glorification of the relics of the holy favorites of God, the instilling of enlightenment and the protection of the dispossessed from constraint, that the Christian world might cry out to thee such things as these:

Rejoice, thou that with the holy hierarch Nicholas didst share a name on earth! Rejoice, thou that dost pray with the venerable Seraphim in heaven! Rejoice, instiller of Orthodoxy! Rejoice, bearer of the light of Christ! Rejoice, teacher of Christian patience! Rejoice, defender of Orthodox Christians! Rejoice, O Nicholas, divinely crowned tsar and great passion-bearer!

Kontakion 4

Thou didst not fear the tempest of mindlessness and outrage, O passion-bearer Nicholas, when, rejecting a dishonorable truce, thou didst endure calumny, imprisonment and death, crying out to God Almighty: Alleluia!

Ikos 4

Hearing of the tumults of the Russian realm and beholding the destruction of Christians, thou didst pray without ceasing that the all-good Theotokos save Orthodox Russia. Wherefore, we cry to thee:

Rejoice, fragrant incense of prayer! Rejoice, inextinguishable lamp of faith! Rejoice, admonition of the violent through thy meekness! Rejoice, consolation of the disconsolate amid sorrows! Rejoice, lover of heavenly things! Rejoice, zealot for righteousness! Rejoice, O Nicholas, divinely crowned tsar and great passion-bearer!

Kontakion 5

Thou hast been shown to be a divinely guided star for Russians in the diaspora, O Tsar Nicholas; for, gathering them together in thy name, thou dost point the way to the rebirth of the Russian land, that we may hear angels crying out: Alleluia!

Ikos 5

Perceiving that thy meekness and humility availed naught, but that yet greater discord resulted, thou didst set thy hope on the all-pure Mother of God and didst place thy fate in the hands of the Almighty, that He chastise the mindless, that they chant unto thee:

Rejoice, vanquisher of pride! Rejoice, bearer of a heavenly crown! Rejoice, insuperable bulwark for the weak! Rejoice, invincible power for the bold! Rejoice, superabundant love of thy native land! Rejoice, beauteous sacrifice for the Russian land! Rejoice, O Nicholas, divinely crowned tsar and great passion-bearer!

Kontakion 6

The ends of the earth proclaim thy glory, and thy saying hath gone forth for all ages, that thou didst have naught which thou couldst not give up for thy people, thus teaching them to chant unto God: Alleluia!

Ikos 6

Thou didst shine upon the Russian land more brightly than the sun, O Tsar Nicholas, defending its Orthodox people even unto the death, that all that turn to thee might be converted to Christ, for Whose sake we cry out to thee such things as these: Rejoice, light which hath come forth from the East! Rejoice, model for Orthodox kings! Rejoice, inextinguishable splendor of righteousness! Rejoice, unwaning radiance of meekness! Rejoice, fatherly chastiser of sinners! Rejoice, filial glorification of the righteous! Rejoice, O Nicholas, divinely crowned tsar and great passion-bearer!

Kontakion 7

Desiring to establish the Orthodox Faith on earth, thou didst move thy holy kingdom to the defense of the oppressed, that all may cry out to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 7

The most blessed Mother of God appointed thee a new Noah, a steward of salvation for the Russian people, that, mindful of all thy labors, we may unceasingly chant unto thee such things as these:

Rejoice, pilot of the ship of Russia! Rejoice, comforter of Slavs amid their misfortunes! Rejoice, defense of the land of Serbia! Rejoice, nourishment of Russians! Rejoice, preacher of the love of peace! Rejoice, restorer of enlightenment! Rejoice, O Nicholas, divinely crowned tsar and great passion-bearer!

Kontakion 8

A strange wonder do we see in thee, O Nicholas, when thou art repeatedly saved by the right hand of the Most High and, with thy children and kinfolk, art led like a lamb to the slaughter, that we may cry out to God, the Preserver of all: Alleluia!

Ikos 8

Thou hast been wholly shown to be a defender of all Christians, O divinely chosen Nicholas, and thou dost show forth twofold assistance for the Slavic peoples, moving them to chant to thee in praise:

Rejoice, defense of the oppressed! Rejoice, chastisement of the oppressors! Rejoice, refuge of the afflicted! Rejoice, aid of the persecuted! Rejoice, champion of Christians in thy repose! Rejoice, peacemaker in thine aspiration! Rejoice, O Nicholas, divinely crowned tsar and great passion-bearer!

Kontakion 9

With all manner of wonders did the Lord reveal His good pleasure to the Russians, until they angered the Lord exceedingly; but, led by thee to the habitations of the righteous, together we chant unto God: Alleluia!

Ikos 9

Mute as fish, the most eloquent of orators cannot describe the loftiness of thy patience; and, contemplating the depth of our fall, we cry out in contrition of spirit:

Rejoice, unassailable patience! Rejoice, unshakeable loyalty! Rejoice, destruction of pride! Rejoice, enlightener of the foolish! Rejoice, thou that in thy life and repose hast given an example to the faithful!
Rejoice, thou that didst suffer for thy sins on earth! Rejoice, O Nicholas, divinely crowned tsar and great passion-bearer!

Kontakion 10

Christ, Who alone knoweth men’s hearts, Who hath founded the Church upon the blood of His martyrs, desiring that all men be saved, appointed thee, O passion-bearer Nicholas, for the founding of a new house of the Russian realm, that all therein might cry out: Alleluia!

Ikos 10

Thou art a bulwark for all that have recourse to thee in faith and dost reveal an unassailable wall of defense for the Orthodox world, teaching all that are of thy blood to glorify thee thus:

Rejoice, revelation of heavenly things on earth! Rejoice, thou that dost fill them that lack! Rejoice, splendor which hast shown forth in the Russian land! Rejoice, river which dost water all the parts thereof! Rejoice, teacher of humble-mindedness! Rejoice, instiller of faith and piety! Rejoice, O Nicholas, divinely crowned tsar and great passion-bearer!

Kontakion 11

Offering up hymnody to the all-holy Trinity even unto the moment of thy death, thou didst finish the course of thy life and keep the Faith; and thereby thou dost move all Orthodox Christians to chant: Alleluia!

Ikos 11

Sent to our land as a bestower of light, like an unblemished lamb thou art offered for the redemption of our sins, that all might unceasingly glorify thee:

Rejoice, sacrifice beloved of God! Rejoice, inexhaustible abundance of love! Rejoice, boast of loyalty! Rejoice, invisible radiance of the Spirit! Rejoice, reflection of wisdom! Rejoice, hope of the hopeless! Rejoice, O Nicholas, divinely crowned tsar and great passion-bearer!

Kontakion 12

Divine grace, which healeth the infirm, foresaw thee as an inexhaustible healing for thy subjects that cry out to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 12

Hymning thy sufferings, O passion-bearer Nicholas, we bow down before thy patience, as to the power of the Almighty Trinity made manifest in thee, that together we may all cry out:

Rejoice, beloved child of Christ! Rejoice, thou that didst lead thy innocent children and thy faithful servants to Christ! Rejoice, thou that didst make thy consort righteous! Rejoice, thou that didst draw thy people toward the truth! Rejoice, thou that didst not put the honor of thy homeland to shame! Rejoice, thou that hast acquired the Kingdom of Heaven! Rejoice, O Nicholas, divinely crowned tsar and great passion-bearer!

Kontakion 13

O most wondrous and all-glorious passion-bearer Nicholas: watch over thine earthly kingdom and thy people, for we are at a loss to make any reply concerning our sins; and entreat thou the Almighty, that He not enter into judgment over us, but vouchsafe us peacefully to chant: Alleluia!

(Repeat Kontakion Thirteen 3 times)
(Then continue below)

Kontakion 1

Rejoice, O Nicholas, divinely crowned tsar and great passion-bearer!

Ikos 1

Prayer

O holy passion-bearer Tsar Martyr Nicholas! The Lord has chosen thee as His anointed one to judge with mercy and righteousness thy people and to be the guardian of the Orthodox Kingdom.

This royal service and the care for souls thou hast completed with the fear of God. Testing thee as gold in the furnace, the Lord has allowed bitter sorrows to come upon thee, as to the much suffering Job, by depriving thee of thy royal throne and sending upon thee martyric death. Having meekly endured all this, like a true slave of Christ, thou art partaking of the highest glory at the Throne of the God of All, together with the Holy Martyrs, the holy Tsarina Alexandra, the holy youth Crown Prince Alexis, and the holy princesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia and with the faithful servants of thine, as well as with the holy Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth and with all the Royal Martyrs and the Holy Martyr Barbara.

For as having great boldness before Christ King, for whose sake thou hast endured everything, pray with us, that the Lord might forgive the sin of thy people, who did not stop thy slaughter, as King and Anointed One of God, that the Lord will deliver the suffering land of Russia from the fierce and godless ones, who came upon it because of our sin and apostasy, and that He will restore the throne of Orthodox Tsars, and to us will grant forgiveness of sins and will instruct us on every good deed, that we might acquire humbleness, meekness and love, as these Martyrs have done, that we will be vouchsafed the Heavenly Kingdom, where together with thee and all the Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia, we might glorify Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

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

Posted on 14 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 24 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.

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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 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

Chapel dedicated to Nicholas II and his family opens at Murmansk airport

Posted on June 7 by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: Chapel of the Holy Passio-Bearers
Tsar Nicholas II and his family at Murmansk Airport

On 4th May 2026, a chapel dedicated to Emperor Nicholas II and his family opened in the airport of the Russian Arctic city of Murmansk. The small chapel is located in the second hall of the terminal, immediately after the check-in counters.

According to Archpriest Vladimir Semenov of the Murmansk Diocese: “Work on the chapel began in December 2025. Now, we must complete the decoration of the interior. The date of the it’s consecration has yet to be announced.”

Recall that on 31st May 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree naming Murmansk Airport after the founder of the city, Nicholas II.

Murmansk was the last city founded in the Russian Empire. Russia’s first ice free port was founded here in 1916 by Nicholas II and named Romanov-on-Murman. It was officially named Murmansk during the Soviet years.

Prior to that, residents of the Russian Arctic city had voted in favour of naming the airport in honour of Russia’s last Tsar, who received 68,260 votes (48%).

More than 5.5 million people took part in the ‘Great Names of Russia’, a national competition in which the Russian people could cast votes to rename 42 of the country’s major airports.

***

Since 2019, great efforts have been made to draw attention to Murmansk residents and visitors of Nicholas II’s connection to the Arctic city . . .

Exhibition dedicated to Nicholas II opens at Murmansk Airport

In November 2020, a permanent photo exhibition dedicated to Emperor Nicholas II opened in the main terminal building of Murmansk Airport – [the link above features 12 photos]

There have been proposals for the square in front of the airport terminal, however, whether these plans come to fruition remains to be seen . . .

New monument of the Imperial Family to be installed at Murmansk Airport

On 26th January 2023, a St Petersburg architecture and landscaping firm, published an artist’s concept of the new square in front of the Nicholas II-Murmansk Airport, the highlight of which will be a major sculptural composition depicting the last Russian Imperial Family.

Job the Long-suffering and Nicholas II

Posted on May 21 by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: an AI generated image depicting Emperor Nicholas II
holding an icon depicting Saint Job the Long-suffering

On 19th May, the Russian Orthodox Church honours the memory of the Old Testament righteous Job the Long-suffering. On the same day, according to the church calendar, the last Russian emperor was born, the holy passion-bearer Nicholas Alexandrovich Romanov.

. Both the Russian Orthodox Church and Nicholas himself viewed this as a deeply prophetic omen, believing his life would parallel the Old Testament figure’s endless trials, suffering, and eventual loss of all earthly status.

Emperor Nicholas II was born on 6th May 1868 according to the Old Style (O. S.) Julian calendar in Tsarskoye Selo. In the New Style Gregorian or civil European calendar of the time, it was 18th May, as the difference between the Julian and Gregorian calendars was then 12 days. Today, 6th May, according to the church calendar, corresponds to 19th May according to the new style. Therefore, for church memory, the sovereign’s birthday remains associated with the celebration of the righteous Job the Long-suffering.

At birth, the future emperor received not the name Job, but the traditional name for the House of Romanov Nicholas – in memory of his uncle, Tsesarevich and Grand Duke Nicholas Alexandrovich (1843-1865), the elder brother of Emperor Alexander III (1845-1894), who died at the age of 21 in 1865. But, despite this, the spiritual connection between Nicholas II and St. Righteous Job is seen as especially deep.

Job the Long-Suffering went down in sacred history as an example of faith, patience and trust in God in the midst of the most difficult trials. Having lost wealth, children, health and the support of loved ones, he did not deny the Lord and did not blaspheme Him. His words: “The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord” — became an expression of supreme humility before God’s Providence.

We see a similar uncomplaining acceptance of sorrows in the life of the Holy Tsar Nicholas II. He had to endure severe trials: wars, turmoil, betrayal, renunciation, imprisonment, humiliation and martyrdom along with his family. But through all this he strove to preserve faith, meekness, dignity and hope in God.

That is why the Church glorified Emperor Nicholas II, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, their children and faithful servants as Holy Passion-bearers. Their podvig[1] is not in earthly victory, not in political triumph, but in Christian endurance of suffering, in gentleness, patience and faithfulness to Christ to the end.

It is difficult for us to imitate such a feat to the fullest. But the memory of Righteous Job the Long-suffering and the Holy Passion-Bearer Nicholas II reminds each of us that the path to salvation passes through trust in God. Not only in joy and well-being, but also in sorrows, losses, misunderstandings and trials.

The saints teach us not to grumble, not to become hardened and not to lose faith, but to walk with thanksgiving the path that the Lord allows us for the sake of our salvation.

Source: Orthodoxy in Tatarstan. Information and educational website of the Tatarstan Metropolis

NOTES

[1] In Orthodox Christianity, podvig is understood as a spiritual struggle or ascetic practice aimed at purifying the soul and drawing closer to God. It involves mastering the body and overcoming passions through practices such as fasting, prayer, prostrations, and other forms of self-denial, helping the practitioner achieve theosis (deification) and spiritual growth.

Divine Liturgies celebrated on the anniversary of the birth of the Holy Emperor Nicholas II

Posted on May 19 by Paul Gilbert

On 19th May 2026, the Russian Orthodox Church marked the 158th anniversary of the birth of Tsesarevich and Grand Duke Nicholas Alexandrovich – the future Emperor Nicholas II – who was born on 19th (O.S. 6th) May 1868 – the day when St. Job of the Long Suffering was born..

In connection with this historic date, Orthodox churches throughout Russia and abroad performed Divine Liturgies in memory of Russia’s much slandered Tsar.

From the very beginning of his reign, Nicholas II treated the duties as Emperor and Tsar of the Russian Empire as a sacred duty. As God’s Anointed, he strongly believed that for the hundred million Russian people the Tsar’s power was and remained sacred.

The family of Emperor Nicholas II was imbued with the spirit of the Orthodox faith. They lived in accordance with the traditions of Orthodox piety. Obligatory attendance at divine services on Sundays and feast days, observing fasts were an integral part of their lives. The August couple not only visited churches and monasteries during their numerous trips, venerated miraculous icons and relics of saints, but also made pilgrimages, as was the case in 1903 during the glorification of St. Seraphim of Sarov.

The Emperor paid great attention to the needs of the Orthodox Church throughout his reign. Like all Russian emperors, Nicholas II generously donated from his own funds for the construction of new churches, including those outside Russia. During the 22+ years of his reign, the number of parish churches in Russia increased by more than 10 thousand, and more than 250 new monasteries were opened. The Emperor himself participated in the laying of new churches and other church celebrations.

The personal piety of the Tsar was also manifested in the fact that during the years of his reign more saints were canonized than in the two previous centuries, when only 5 saints were glorified. During Nicholas II’s reign, the following saints were glorified: St. Theodosius of Chernigov (1896), St. Seraphim of Sarov (1903), St. Joasaph of Belgorod (1911), St. Ermogen of Moscow (1913), St. Pitirim of Tambov (1914), St. John of Tobolsk (1916) were canonized, and the veneration of St. Princess Anna of Kashin was renewed (1909).

The Holy Emperor Nicholas II said: “If you see me calm, it is because I have the firm, the absolute conviction that the fate of Russia, my own fate, and that of my family is in the hands of God, Who has placed me where I am. Whatever happens, I will bow to His will, conscious of never having had a thought other than that of serving the country that He confided to me.”

VIDEO: Nicholas II: The Last Orthodox Tsar of Russia
with Paul Gilbert (in English)

In 2020, the Holy Monastery of St. John the Forerunner of Mesa Potamos in Cyprus invited me to research, write and narrate this 20-minute English-language VIDEO, within the framework of the project for the book “The Romanov Royal Martyrs: What Silence Could Not Conceal“, of which I was a project colleague. The VIDEO has been watched by more than 134,000 people to date!

CLICK on the LINK to watch the VIDEO: Nicholas II: The Last Orthodox Tsar of Russia

VIDEO: Piety of His Imperial Majesty Sovereign Emperor Nicholas II
Duration: 11 minutes, 24 seconds

A wonderful collection of vintage newsreels from the Russian State Documentary Film & Photo Archive at Krasnogorsk (RGAKFD).

This newsreel has preserved for posterity those moments when Emperor Nicholas II together with his Family attend the divine services, kisses reverently the cross and the icons, blesses his troops, makes the sign of the cross, participates in the sacred processions and converses with the religious leaders.

Soundtrack: 1) Song «Tsar Nicholas» (written and composed by Gennady Ponomarev; sung by the famous Russian singer Zhanna Bichevskaya in 1999); 2) Fragment of the national anthem of the Russian Empire «God Save the Tsar» (another name: «The Prayer of Russians»; written by Vasily Zhukovsky in 1814, sung by Zhanna Bichevskaya).

CLICK on the LINK to watch the VIDEO: Piety of His Imperial Majesty Sovereign Emperor Nicholas II

***

NICHOLAS II: RUSSIA’S LAST ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN MONARCH

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BOOK DESCRIPTION

This book is not only for Orthodox and non-Orthodox persons, but for any one who shares an interest in the life, death, and martyrdom of the Holy Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II.

An illustrated Introduction by independent researcher Paul Gilbert explores the piety of Nicholas II, and his devotion to the Russian Orthodox Church, which reached its fullest development and power, during his 22-year reign.

This book further examines the trials and tribulations the Tsar endured, which later led to his canonization by the Russian Orthodox Church.

Paperback edition, with 134 pages + 23 black & white photographs

On this day – Nicholas II and members of his family were handed over to the Ural Soviet

Posted on April 30 by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: “Transfer of the Romanov family to the Ural Soviet” (1927)
Artist: Vladimir Nikolayevich Pchelin (1869-1941)

On this day – 30th April (O.S. 17th April) 1918, Emperor Nicholas II, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna and Grand Duchess Maria were handed over to the Ural Soviet in Ekaterinburg. It was at this point, that their fate was sealed.

Recall that on 26th (O.S. 13th) April 1918, Emperor Nicholas II, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, their daughter Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna were brought from Tobolsk to Ekaterinburg. They arrived in Ekaterinburg on 30th April 1918, whereupon they were handed over the Ural Soviet.

They were accompanied by five faithful retainers: Dr. Eugene Botkin Botkin, Prince Vasily Dolgorukov, maid Anna Demidova, valet Terenty Chemodurov, sailor Ivan Sednev, all of whom voluntarily accompanied the Imperial Family. The only one who survived the regicide was Chemodurov.

Nicholas II wrote the following in his diary:

“At 8.40 we arrived in Ekaterinburg. We stood for three hours in one station. There was a heated dispute between the local commissars and our own. In the end, the first prevailed and the train was moved to another goods terminal. After standing there for an hour and a half, we got off the train. Yakovlev handed us over to the local regional commissar, with whom we drove by motor through empty streets to the accommodation which has been prepared for us—the Ipatiev house. Slowly our people and our things began to arrive, but they would not let Valia through.

“The home is pleasant and clean. We have been given four large rooms. We were not able to unpack our things for a long time, as the commissar, the commandant and the guards captain had not had time to inspect our trunks. Then the inspection was like a customs search, just as strict, right down to the last capsule in Alix’s travelling medicine kit. This annoyed me so much that I expressed my opinion sharply to the commissar. By 9 o’clock we had at last settled in.

“This is how we installed ourselves: Alix, Maria and I together in the bedroom, sharing the dressing room, Demidova in the dining room, Botkin, Chemodurov and Sednev in the hall. The duty officer’s room is by the entrance. In order to go to the bathroom of W.C., it was necessary to go past the sentry at the door of the duty office. There is a very high wooden pallisade built all around the house, about two sajens from the windows, all along there was a line of sentries, in the little garden also.”

Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Anastasia and Tsesarevich Alexei joined their parents the following month. They were accompanied by more retainers, including valet Aloysius Trupp, the cook Ivan Kharitonov, Ivan Sednev’s nephew Leonid Sednev and Klimenty Nagorny, among others.

To mark this solemn anniversary, the Ekaterinburg Diocese prayerfully celebrates the memory of the Holy Royal Passion-Bearers. Orthodox Christians will fill churches today, offering prayers to the Tsar and his family Many Ekaterinburg residents will also honour the memory of the Holy Royal Passion-Bearers, by taking part in a Cross Procession along the so-called “Path of Sorrow”, which passes through the places associated with the final days of Russia’s last Tsar and his family in the Ural capital.

The Path of Sorrows begin with the place where Emperor Nicholas II, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna and their five faithful retainers disembarked from the train on 30th April 1918. Here, near the Shartash-Yekaterinburg-II Railway Station, a Memorial Cross and a foundation stone were installed. There are plans to build a church in honour of the Valaam Icon of the Mother of God on this site – one of the three miraculous icons that appeared during the reign of Nicholas II.

Then the Path of Sorrow follows Vostochnaya Street, where the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Port Arthur” was built at the intersection with Shevchenko Street. In 2008, during the Cross Procession, a memorial stone was laid at this place, and in 2017, the construction of the church was completed. Here, according to historical records, on 23rd May (new style), 1918, Tsesarevich Alexei Nikolaevich, abd the Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana and Anastasia Nikolaevna arrived by train. They too, were subsequently placed under arrest, and then taken to the Ipatiev House.

PHOTO: the Church on Blood in Honour of All Saints Resplendent in the Russian Land

Not far from the railway station, in Nevyansky Lane, there is an Orthodox church in honour of the Reigning Icon of the Mother of God. It was consecrated in 2011 by Metropolitan Kirill of Yekaterinburg and Verkhoturye. In 1918, the Yekaterinburg-I Railway Station was located here, where on 30th April (new style), 1918, the train carrying Nicholas II, his family members and their five retainers stood for several hours, before proceeding to the the Shartash-Yekaterinburg-II Railway Station, where they disembarked.

The last point of the Path of Sorrow is the Church on Blood in Honour of All Saints Resplendent in the Russian Land on Tsarskaya Street. It was here on this site, that Emperor Nicholas II, his family and four faithful retainers met their death and martyrdom. The church was erected on the site of the Ipatiev House, where the regicide took place on the night of 16/17 July 1918.

In the Lower Church sanctified in honour of the Holy Royal Passion-Bearers, there is the “Imperial Room” – a side-chapel of which the altar allegedly rests on the site of the murder room in the basement of the Ipatiev House. The decoration of the room received the blessing of the Metropolitan of Ekaterinburg and Verkhoturye Kirill. It was timed to coincide with the events marking the 100th anniversary of the death and martyrdom in July 2018, in which more than 100,000 attended.

***

The following NEW title was compiled and edited by independent researchers and Romanov historian Paul Gilbert was published in August 2024.

This fascinating new study features 14 chapters on this tragic event, which include the memoirs of a British intelligence officer and journalist, and two First-English translations. In addition, 11 chapters were written by Paul Gilbert, based on new documents sourced from Russian archival and media sources over the past decade.

Please refer to the link provided for further details about the content of this new title . . .

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THIS TITLE

The Church of the Saviour on the Waters to be revived in St. Petersburg

Posted on March 26 by Paul Gilbert

PHOTO: the Church of the Saviour on the Waters in St. Petersburg,

On 23rd March 2026, it was announced that the Church of the Saviour on the Waters, one of the most famous lost churches of old St. Petersburg will be revived. Recall that the church was was constructed in 1910-1911 as a memorial to the sailors who died in the Battle of Tsushima during the Russian-Japanese war (1904-05). The church was destroyed by the Soviets in 1932.

The reconstruction of the Church of the Saviour on the Waters is past of a large-scale renovation of Novo-Admiralty Island.

History and Construction

The site for the construction of the church was at the end of the English Embankment, at the place where the Novo-Admiralty Canal and the Neva river meet, and not far from the Admiralty Shipyards where the ships of the Imperial Russian Navy were built. The location of the church was chosen well. Lined with white stone, it looked very beautiful from the Neva River, closing the perspective of the embankment.

In 1908, a committee was created in St. Petersburg to collect donations for the construction of the memorial church. The honorary chairman of the committee was the only female admiral of the Imperial Russian Navy, the Queen of the Hellenes / Grand Duchess Olga Konstantinovna (1851-1926).

PHOTO: construction of the church took place in 1910-11

The foundation stone of the church was laid by Bishop Nikon (Rozhdestvensky) of Vologda on 28th (O. S. 15th) May 1910, on the day marking the 5th anniversary of the Battle of Tsushima. The event was followed by a procession of the cross from the St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral. Grand Duchess Olga Konstantinovna laid the soldier’s St. George Cross in the foundation stone.

The white-stone church was built in the Neo-Russian Style, by the Russian architect Marian Marianovich Peretyatkovich (1872-1916). The two-storey church consisted of a lower church in the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and an upper one in honour of the Gethsemane Agony of Christ the Saviour. The church was designed for 300-400 parishioners.

On 10th August (28th July) 1911, the military protopresbyter Georgy Ivanovich Shavelsky (1871-1951) consecrated the lower church,in the presence of the relatives of the victims of the war. The solemn consecration of the upper church took place on 13th August (O.S. 31st July) 1911. It was attended by Emperor Nicholas II and his daughters, Queen Olga of the Hellenes / Grand Duchess Olga Konstantinovna, her brother, Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich (1858-1915), among other members of the Imperial Family.

PHOTOS: Emperor Nicholas II along with other members of Imperial family arrive for the consecration of the the Church of the Saviour on the Waters in St. Petersburg, 13th August (O.S. 31st July) 1911

Design and Interior

The church was erected in the likeness of the Vladimir-Suzdal churches of the 12th century. According to the builders, it was supposed to resurrect the wonderful traditions of ancient Russian architecture. Many famous artists participated in the decoration.

The gate led to the church, above which was a belfry and a mosaic icon of the Saviour Not Made by Hands according to a sketch by the famous Russian painter and graphic artist Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov (1848-1926). Relief doors lined with copper imitated the gates of the 13th century in the Suzdal Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin. The dome of the church was covered with golden smalt.

PHOTO: a colour view of the upper church and the mosaic
“The Saviour Walking on the Waters”

In the upper church, on the altar wall, there was a mosaic “The Saviour Walking on the Waters” made according to a sketch by the Russian painter Nikolai Aleksandrovich Bruni (1856-1935). Two mosaic icons – “Praying for the Chalice” and “Carrying the Cross” – on the pillars were made according to sketches by artists Viktor Vasnetsov and Nikolai Bruni.

The iconostasis was made in the ancient style of carved light gray stone and had two tiers. The Holy Doors were made of chased bronze. The altar curtain was the St. Andrew’s flag. Bronze choros chandeliers hung on anchor chains. The white-marble tabernacle was carved in the shape of the church itself.

The entrance to the lower church was through a narrow corridor. The low vaults of the lower church were covered with a continuous painting made by the Russian painter and graphic artist Mikhail Mikhailovich Adamovich (1884-1947), depicting the Gospel scenes and the life of the patron saint of sailors, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

The wooden two-tiered iconostasis, covered with brocade and basma, was decorated with bronze overlays. The Holy Doors were donated by the builder of the church Sergei Nikolaevich Smirnov (1877-1958) and dated to the 16th century. The Kazan icon of the Mother of God was embroidered with gold.

A covered gallery connected the church with the tower, where the maritime museum was located, and the belfry, which in turn was connected by a gallery with the clergy house.

The unique memorial church became “a symbol of a mass grave for the heroic sailors who died without burial” in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905.

The Soviet Years to the Present

The Church of the Saviour on the Waters was closed by the Bolsheviks in early 1918. For a short time, irregular services continued to be conducted without too much fuss from the authorities. In 1919, the Soviet authorities concluded an agreement with the parishioners that the building would be transferred to them, and in return, the church was ordered to pay taxes, report on donations, and maintain the building in order. The teaching of doctrine was prohibited. Failure to comply with the orders would result in arrests and imprisonment.

n December 1931, at a meeting of the Presidium of the Leningrad Soviet, it was decided “to transfer the building to the plant for scrapping using materials for construction needs.”

The Soviets wasted little time in looting the church: Icons, vestments, the Gospel, silverware and precious stones were taken during two confiscations. Some were taken to local museums. Less valuable things, such as lamps, chalices, discos – were simply melted down into metal. Some of the mosaics were saved by an employee of the Morozov Museum, and stored in the basements of the museum.

Following the pillaging and looting, the church was blown up in the spring of 1932, despite thousands of signatures collected. The clergy and some of the parishioners were repressed by the local Soviet.

PHOTO: the Church of the Saviour on the Waters
was reduced to a pile of rubble on 8th March 1932

On 27th May 1998, on the 93rd anniversary of the Battle of Tsushima, a small chapel was built on the site of the church. With the blessing of Metropolitan Vladimir of St. Petersburg and Ladoga, a foundation stone, a marble plaque with a canonical commemorative text and the St. George Cross, brought from France by the grandson of one of the builders of the Church of the Saviour on the Waters, were laid in the foundation of the new chapel.

PHOTO: members of the planning working committee meet in St. Petersburg to discuss plans for the reconstruction of the Church Savior on the Waters

Reconstruction

On 23rd March 2026, representatives of the working committee gathered at the Russian Geographical Society in St. Petersburg to discuss the project for the reconstruction of the Church of the Saviour on the Waters. Among them were representatives of the St. Petersburg clergy, descendants of the heroes of the Battle of Tsushima and historians.

The decision to revive the church was made as part of the large-scale redevelopment of the Novo-Admiralteysky Island. The Church Savior on the Waters is one of the most famous lost churches of old St. Petersburg, t was created in memory of the sailors who died during the Russo-Japanese War. The church will be restored at the expense of private philanthropists.