A Grand Celebration of the Holy Royal Martyrs to Take Place on the Isle of Wight

1 Jul, 2018 | British Isles News and Events

A once-in-a-lifetime celebration

From 6th-8th July 2018, a grand ecclesial and civic celebration will take place in in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, to celebrate the centenary of the martyrdom of the Holy Royal Martyrs. This event, which marks a once-in-a-lifetime anniversary of sanctity and sacrifice that shaped the world of the past century, will involve numerous Divine Services, talks, the unveiling of a moment, and visits to sites on the Isle that were visited by the Royal Family themselves. The Divine Services over the three days (which include the Divine Liturgy on Saturay and Sunday mornings) will be presided over by His Grace Bishop Irenei of Sacramento, Administrator of the Diocese of Great Britain and Ireland, together with local Orthodox clergy.

All are invited to this extraordinary celebration. Those who participate will have the opportunity to witness an historic event: the unveiling of a new monument to the Imperial Family, together with the Grand Duchess Elizabeth, martyred in 1918 during the atheistic revolution in Russia. As is known to many, the final reigning Royal Family of Russia were all closely related to the British Royal Family, and the new monument will be placed near Osborne House in East Cowes, visited by the Romanovs many times. The Town Council of East Cowes is co-organiser of these events, which will mark for posterity the link between the Royal Family’s martyric sacrifice, and the Orthodox presence in Great Britain.

A unique exhibition

During this three-day event, an exhibition entitled ‘The Cross of the Romanovs’ will be opened, dedicated to the last days of the reigning Romanovs and to their connections and exchange of visits with the Windsors. Many of the Royal Family’s belongings, together with relics and other holy objects relating to their lives, are being brought from different countries especially for this exhibition, which will take place at Barton Manor — another site on the island, visited by the Imperial Family in 1909.

A full programme

The three days of the event are fill with Services, events, talks, excursions and a host of other activities. Readers can click here for a draft programme of the events day-by-day.

Participation

Everyone is invited to this unique event, from all backgrounds — to honour the memory of these great saints, to learn more about their connection to British history and society, and to enjoy the unique surroundings of the beautiful Isle. Some places are on reserve at local hotels for participants and can be booked through the organisers at the Grand Duchess Elizabeth Romanov Society; and as the weekend coincides with the Cowes regata, hotels do require booking in advance if arrangements are made independently.

Please contact the Society for further enquiries: