ROCOR to Allow Investigation of Romanov Relics from Brussels

The Synod Abroad of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia has approved the investigation of Romanov relics previously interred in the Memorial Church of St. Job in Brussels, noting only that it expects a "pious attitude" on the part of those investigating the relics as efforts to conclusively identify the purportedly Romanov remains interred in St. Petersburg's Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul continue. The Synod Abroad's full statement can be found here.

Russian Orthodox Church Reconsidering Recognition of 'Yekaterinburg Remains'

It is being reported that new evidence has emerged in Brussels which may lead to the Moscow Patriarchate's recognition of remains at St. Petersburg's Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul as the the relics of the Romanov imperial family. The evidence and the Russian Orthodox Church's official position on the remains will be discussed at today's session of the Russian Orthodox Holy Synod in Kiev.

If the remains are recognized by the Church as the Royal Martyrs' relics they will also be recognized by the current head of the House of Romanov, Grand Duchess Mariya Vladimirovna Romanova. More here and here.

Romanov Memorial Cross Vandalized

The memorial cross at the site of the discovery of the remains of the last Russian imperial family near Yekaterinburg has been vandalized. It is unknown whether the vandalism was a random act or an indirect attack on the Russian Orthodox Church. More here.

Head of Romanov Dynasty Repents for Tsars' Sins

In an address to the Russian nation on the 400th anniversary of the end of the Time of Troubles the head of the House of Romanov, Grand Duchess Mariya Vladimirovna, has recognized the failings of her dynasty during its rule of Russia, saying that "we repent before God for [the dynasty's] mistakes and sins, and we ask forgiveness of the Russian people—both for myself and on behalf of my ancestors."

The grand duchess, who described the period since the February and October Revolutions as a second Time of Troubles for Russia, went on to call on the Russian people to contribute to funding worthy celebrations of the anniversary by giving to causes that would assist those in need, to "erect monuments...not only on the streets and squares of our cities, but first and foremost in the hearts of the people."

Grand Duchess Mariya Vladimirovna's full address with its appeal can be found here.

Investigation Concludes Romanovs' Remains Authentic

A Russian investigative committee has determined that the bodies identified as belonging to Tsar St. Nicholas II and his family are in fact their remains. The identity of the bodies, most of which are buried in St. Petersburg's Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul on Hare Island, is contentious in Russia due to the Russian Orthodox Church's refusal to recognize their identities despite the findings of several investigations. The House of Romanov will not accept or reject the findings until the Moscow Patriarchate recognizes them as being the relics of the last imperial family. More here.

Romanov Grand Duchess Endorses Restoration of Kostroma Chapel

Grand Duchess Mariya Vladimirovna Romanova, head of the House of Romanov, has endorsed plans to restore a chapel in Kostroma built as a memorial to the 300th anniversary of the rule of the Romanovs. The chapel was unfinished at the time of the Revolution and subsequently had a statue of Lenin placed at its top. No changes have been approved, but it is hoped that the chapel will be restored in time to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the rise of the Romanovs to the imperial throne of Rus'. More here.

Russian Government Closes Romanov Investigation

A Russian investigative committee has confirmed the identification of remains at St. Petersburg's Sts. Peter and Paul's Cathedral as those of Emperor Nicholas II of Russia and his family. More here.