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.

Holy Royal Martyrs of Rus'

Joyous feast! С праздником! Today we commemorate the Royal Martyrs of Rus', the passion-bearing Tsar-Martyr Nicholas, his wife Tsaritsa Alexandria, their children Olga, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia, and Alexis, and their companions in exile. More on their lives can be found here. A homily delivered by St. John of San Francisco after a memorial for the imperial family served in 1934 can be found here. May the Royal Martyrs' blessings and prayers be with us all!

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.