Romanovs and Faith/Orthodox Religion

[Romanov_fan]

In the western world, Jan 6th used to be ( still technically is, but I guess people don't pay attention anymore) the last day of Christmas didn't it? Jan 6th was the last day of the 12 days of Christmas, like the old song. So it's technically the last day of Christmas for us, but it would be interesting if today was the day the Imperial family celebrated Christmas. I believe Jan 5th is 12th night.

[nena]

In Orthodox Religion, we celebrate Christmas on Janaury 7th.  . Russia accepted 'new style' -- Gregorian Calendar in 1918 or 1919, I am not sure, but Church still uses 'old style' -- Julian Calendar. Difference is 13 days.

Thank you Multiverse!

[Sarushka]

This site will "translate" between old and new style dates:

http://5ko.free.fr/en/jul.php?y=2009

Just make sure you've clicked on the proper year -- the difference between the calendars has changed over the centuries. (For example, in 1895 Olga was born on 3/15 November, but in the 20th and 21st centuries the date has shifted to 3/16 November.)

[Olga Maria]

My conscience always intervenes whenever I read the OTMA say in their letters such things as "God will look over us", etc. So Inspiring.

[RomanovMartyrs]

I believe that yes, they were Saints.

It is interesting to read the other comments here, that argue against the case for Romanovs being saints. And I think in historical context, the argument is legitimate; Nicholas the Second was a weak ruler who let unfortunate things happen to some of his citizens. However when looking at Sainthood (martyr-hood, what have you), one takes into account the person's (in this case family's) way of life, whether they believed and followed Christ in their daily lives, whether they were charitable, humble, and kind. I would like to think that for an Imperial family, the last Romanovs were quite unique in their humility. And their clear love of country and people through the good deeds mentioned by others above in this thread, seals the deal, at least for me.

Then again, everyone is entitled to their own opinion; probably I respect Rasputin a good deal more than most as well.

[RomanovMartyrs]

Having just returned from a fabulous week in St Petersburg I am currently working my way through Helen Rappaport's compelling book Ekaterinburg - which includes a photograph of an icon of the Romanov family as the 'Holy Passion Bearers'. Has anyone any idea where this icon can be acquired? For those who haven't been a visit to the Peter & Paul Cathedral is a must

I have seen quite a few icons fitting the description you've given. I personally got one off of ebay, direct from St. Petersburg. Here's what it looks like:



Try ebay or http://archangelsbooks.com/proddetail.asp?prod=NTW-0926

Hope that helps!


I love this thread by the way, it's a very interesting read. I'm sad to see it's died down recently.

I have a question for those of you who are Orthodox, or know much about the rituals of visiting relics...I am Orthodox myself, but have never visited relics, so I don't know proper procedure. Are you supposed to follow a more strict practice of fasting beforehand? (Other than the given Weds. Fri.) Thanks in advance, if someone answers.

[Mimì]

I'm quite doubtful on this point: of course they were murdered because of their social position, but they also represented a concrete example of monarchy with strong religious basis and this may have formed an ideal for the anti-revolutionaries. I think this was the real cause: I don't think Nicholas would have organized a conspiration to have back his power, he always dreamed of a quiet life, and Alexei couldn't be a real danger for the red regime: maybe he would even have died young without children. All the others were women and couldn't inherit the throne. But the imperial family in "prison" could turn into a sort of symbol of oppressed Russian people. This is why they killed them.

[NurseVickie]

I believe they are Saints and I am not Orthodox.  I am Mormon.  I believe that they are many that are Saints that we are not aware of.  I believe that they are many many things that we are not aware of.  We must be respectful of each other and our many different beliefs or lack thereof. There are many on the other side of the veil that are working for our good.

[Georgiy]

I have never heard of any specific rules. Have been blessed to be able to venerate many Relics, and even look after some, but have never fasted outside normal fasting times for this.

[Marshall II]

Just a question for an Orthodox Christian, do you believe in Salvation as a free gift that is accepted? I suppose what I am trying to say is do you ask Christ to be your personal Lord and Savior or do you believe that heaven is a result of good works?

[Ilias_of_John]

Just a question for an Orthodox Christian, do you believe in Salvation as a free gift that is accepted? I suppose what I am trying to say is do you ask Christ to be your personal Lord and Savior or do you believe that heaven is a result of good works?

Both.

[matushka]

Indeed both. In theology it is called "synergy", convergent action of the grace of the Lord acting in the person and the personnal efforts of the individual to let this grace habite him and act in him.

[violetta]

I wonder if GD MIKHAIL PAVLOVICH & GD ELENA PAVLOVNA were first cousins?  didn`t konstantin konstantinovich KR marry his first cousin, i.e.his mother`s niece?

[Naslednik Norvezhskiy]

I wonder if GD MIKHAIL PAVLOVICH & GD ELENA PAVLOVNA were first cousins?

First cousins once removed.

didn`t konstantin konstantinovich KR marry his first cousin, i.e.his mother`s niece?

No, he and his wife were second cousins.

[Kalafrana]

The Deceased Wife's Sister's Marriage Act 1907 allowed a man to marry his deceased wife's sister. The Deceased Husband's Brother's Marriage Act 1921 then allowed a woman to marry her deceased husband's brother, and the timing does suggest a link with the First World War.

Interestingly, as well as my maternal grandparents being first cousins, not only were their respective mothers sisters, the other two sisters both married the same man!

Ann