News

Decree of commemoration of the Saint Imperial Passion-bearers.

4 February 2013

Hilarion
Metropolitan Of Eastern America & New York,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

23 lanuary 2013
#1-5/13

To All the Diocesan Bishops

On Wednesday, December 12th, at the session of the Synod of Bishops, WE HEARD: The report of the President on the upcoming celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Romanov Dynasty.
RESOLVED:
1. To order the abbots of the monasteries and the rectors of the churches of the Russian Church Abroad to carry out the commemoration of the Imperial Passion-bearers at the dismissals of the divine services according to the following formula: …”The holy and right-believing Passion-bearers: the martyred Emperor Nicholas, the Empress Alexandra, the Heir to the Throne Alexis, the Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Marie and Anastasia; the holy venerable martyrs the Grand Duchess Elizabeth and the nun Barbara, and those slain with them…”, beginning on 1/14 January, and continuing to the end of 2013.
2. Before the kissing of the Cross at the Divine Liturgy on the first Sunday of the Great Fast, in all the churches of the Russian Church Abroad, to intone “Eternal memory!” for the pious sovereigns of the Romanov Dynasty, and “all the generation of the Royal Household of all Russia”, according to the order set forth in the Rite of Orthodoxy.
3. To organize at Holy Trinity Cathedral, in Toronto, Canada, a Church-wide celebration of the 400th Anniversary of the Romanov Dynasty, between 5th-8th September 2013, in conjunction with a convocation of Russian Orthodox society and the regular session of the Synod of Bishops.
[Resolved also:] To issue a decree to this effect.

L.S.

+Hilarion,
Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church
Outside of Russia