Ella as a religious figure and her convent

Yes. The interesting part of the sisterhood of Mary & Martha is that they were not completely cut off from their families. They were allowed holidays to visit their families. Ella herself even appeared in her habit with the rest of the Imperial Family in public appearances. She also kept her former appartments in Moscow & St Petersburg and used them occationally during visits.

when elisabeth converted to russian orthodox when she married  did she have to renounce her former faith (the spitting thing etc.)

Think so. Ella never did things in halves, but all the way. 

Think so. Ella never did things in halves, but all the way. 

thanks, always wondered that, i thought she would have, no reason really she should be let off like alix, thanks

Tunaears, when Ella maried, she had not to renounce her faith, she remained lutherian: she was not supposed to become an empress and there was no obligation to change her faith. At the same time, as it is clear from differents letters, her husband and her brother-in-law Alexandre III kept hope she will one day choose orthodoxy, what she eventually did in 1891. And of course, when you convert yourself, that means you renounce your former faith! Hope that's clearer for you.

That was the reason Irene cried and Ludwig sent a "stern" letter to Ella.

That was the reason Irene cried and Ludwig sent a "stern" letter to Ella.

what?
irene cried, about ella converting?
confused! can you explain please

Irene cried when Ella converted and Ludwig sent a stern letter of rebuff to his daughter. Only VMH was understanding and was supportive.

Irene cried when Ella converted and Ludwig sent a stern letter of rebuff to his daughter. Only VMH was understanding and was supportive.

what was the hesse family's reaction to alix converting? surely they would have been more understanding, alix did not choose to convert like ella, she had to if she was to be consort- or be consort one day.
and what was alix's reaction to ella's conversion?
btw thanks so much for this information!

Alicky was supportive but not openly. She was close to her father and shared his religious principles. Had Ludwig not died as he did, Alicky might not have married Nicky since the slumbling block had been removed.

Alicky was supportive but not openly. She was close to her father and shared his religious principles. Had Ludwig not died as he did, Alicky might not have married Nicky since the slumbling block had been removed.

wow, i never knew that,i did suppose that Ludwig wouldn't have been happy about alix and nicky marrying, when alix DID marry nicky and convert what was the reaction of the rest of her remaining family, grandmother, siblings? 

Queen Victoria was against it. She was thunderstruck when she heard the news when Ella burst into the room "Alicky and Nicky are to be married ! " she exclaimed. However she came around when she saw how in love they were and gave them her blessing.

Alicky was supportive but not openly. She was close to her father and shared his religious principles. Had Ludwig not died as he did, Alicky might not have married Nicky since the slumbling block had been removed.

wow, i never knew that,i did suppose that Ludwig wouldn't have been happy about alix and nicky marrying, when alix DID marry nicky and convert what was the reaction of the rest of her remaining family, grandmother, siblings?  

Queen Victoria was against it. She was thunderstruck when she heard the news when Ella burst into the room "Alicky and Nicky are to be married ! " she exclaimed. However she came around when she saw how in love they were and gave them her blessing.

The discussion about Empress Alexandra must be at her own board. You are off topic.

No. I indicated that it was Ella that made the announcement. She had been behind the scenes all the time.