Topic: Burial of the Last Tsar Posted By: James Welsh Date: 06 Jun 1998 2:29 PM
Nicholas II and family are scheduled for burial on July 18, 1998. The
Orthodox Church continues to refain from official acknowledgement,
despite incontrovertible DNA testing, that the remains are the Romanovs
. News coverage of this event appears minimal. What does the Russian
man on the street think , the narod ? What Romanov descendants and
representatives of other royal families will be in attendance?
Responses:
Subject: Re: Burial of the Last Tsar of Russia From: Lola Lee Date: 06 Jun 1998 12:59 PM
From what I understand, at this date, several members of the Romanov
family, including Prince Geordi, regarded by some circles as the
heir-apparent to the throne, are planning to attend. And also, Prince
Michael of Kent (his great-grandmother was a Grand Duchess, I believe)
is expected to attend. This may of course change drastically between
now and then.The reason why the Church is so relunctant to have any
part is because the Tsar Nicholas and his family are being considered
for canonization, and if it should turn out that the bones aren't
really those of the Royal Family after canonization has occured, that
would be a very big error indeed. And, opinion amongst the common
people is divided as well.I just hope for everyone's sake that this
ceremony will not turn into a spectacle. If it does, it is better that
there be little media coverage.Lola
Subject: Burial of Last Tsar of Russia From:Daryl Bullis Date: 06 Jun 1998 3:19 PM
According to an NPR broadcast last week the Russian Orthodox Church has
not denied the authenticity of the remains of Tsar Nicholas II and his
family. They have, however, declined to participate in a royal burial
of their remains. Their reasons for denying participation is attributed
to their stance that Tsar Nicholas II was by no means an exemplary,
effective or compassionate ruler and therefore has no right to be given
royal burial and that the state cannot afford such a burial anyway.
Mind you the reasons why the Russian Orthodox Church would not have
anything to do with this ceremony have more to do with political
jockeying with the new government than they do with an acknowledgement
of scientific evidence.
Subject: Burial of the last Tsar From:James Welsh Date: 06 Jun 1998 12:13 AM
Thanks for your input , Lola and Daryl. I'm no monarchist but I think
this is a perfect time for Russia to reconcile it's past, it's present
and it's future. Unfortunately, it appears that the burial of Nicholas
et al. will be marred by the past and the present , with little regard
for the future. I am enjoying Billington's program and would be
interested in how you became Russophiles. I think, however, it should
be called "Soul of Russia ". The face of Russia today is much more
complex than Gogol, Moussorsky, or Repin could have imagined.
Nostrovye.
Subject: Canonization From:Irena Date: 06 Jun 1998 10:47 PM
In the Russian Orthodox Church abroad, the Last Tsar: Tsar-Martyr
Nicholas II and the rest of the Holy family are already "canonized".
Regardless of whether or not those are their relics.
Subject: What do the Russians think? From: Andrei Kokov Date: 07 Jul 1998 2:39 AM
As I know, the Russians have no clear opinion on this topic. There are
monarchyst circles in Russia today, even a religious movement
acknowledging Nicolai The 2nd as a forthcoming messias, but what comes
to the people who have enough common sense, the Romanov dynasty remains
a part of history, not more. People accept the idea that the remainings
of the last Romanov family have rest in the dynasty necropolis in
St.Petersburg. But in general the nation ("narod") has little to do
with the tzar, as well as the tzar has little idea about the nation
(perhaps his knowledge of own people extended not further than knowing
Rasputin). In the beginning of 1900 this tzar ruled so "well", that in
short time caused severe wars which damaged Russian economy and spoiled
political climate - and finally gave up the power. He had opportunity
to save his family and emigrate, but he remained to be slaughtered by
bolshevik bandits. Amazing, isn't it... What comes to those descendants
of some Georgian duches who pretend to catch somehow the Romanov
throne, I doubt they have any chance, except to get support from a
party in case of civil war (may Lord have grace upon Russia this
wouldn't happen). Russia is Federal Republic now - though still
authoritative one - and the tzar has as much chances to come back as
for instance any sort of kings to return in Germany.
Subject: Tsar From:James Welsh Date: 07 Jul 1998 12:16 AM
160 years ago the Marquis de Custine wrote that to abdicate absolute
power was cowardice; to abdicate a disputed power was an act of
revenge. Nicholas acted in revenge . " The mirrors whisper..." Bozhe
Tsaria Khrani !
Subject: I was there From:Anthony E. Goralski Date: 09 Sep 2000 9:41 PM
I was there at the Funeral of My Grandfather Nicholas II - My Mother
Maria was his Daughter. I thank President Yeltsin and everyone else for
Giving respects to my Grandfather and the rest of the murdered members
of the Family.
