The last tsar of Russia, Nicholas II, along with his family, were brutally murdered by the communists in Ekaterinburg on July 17, 1918.  The atheist and God-hating regime tried to depict him as a bloody tyrant and guilty of killing many of his subjects.

  However, history has shown that the Tsar-Martyr was actually a very just ruler, who loved his people and tried always to do what was best for them.  He took his coronation vows, when he was anointed, very seriously. 

Nevertheless, those who hated all that which was good and holy in Russia, saw that they needed to remove him in order to bring about a new world, a place without God and all that was sacred.  Precisely, after the murder of the tsar and his august family, the communists unleased a reign of terror upon the Russian people, executing the leading citizens of the country along with countless clergy and monastics.

The Royal Martyrs were canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad in 1981.  Since then, the annual anniversary has been a much loved feast day in our church, with many people attending the divine services on this day.  Also, many children born after their glorification have been given as names the names of the martyrs.

On this day, Bishop Luke presided at the liturgy, together with the monastery clergy.  In attendance were the boys of the Summer Boys camp, some of whom carry the names of the Royal Martyrs.  Through their prayers, may Russia and the other lands of Holy Rus’ be restored to peace and piety.