Royal Martyrs--heroes of the Faith worthy of praise

On July 17 (Julian calendar), Russia’s last Tsar Nicholas II, his wife, Tsarina Alexandra, and their children--Alexandra, Alexis, Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastastia went to Christ as a choir of holy martyrs.   Their martyrdom, as a family, occurred July 16-17, 1918, in Ekaterinburg.  This was a loving, Orthodox Christian family, the children were privileged by their station, but raised as ordinary children. 

Fr. Nektarios Serfes maintains some beautiful pages on his web site (http://www.serfes.org/royal/index.htm) honoring the holy martyrs of the Russian Royal Family.  Here is one especially dedicated to the martyred children of the Tsar:  http://www.serfes.org/royal/child-martyrs.htm

A second page containing poetry related to Royal Martyr Grand Duchess Olga at the time of martyrdom, is found here:  http://www.serfes.org/royal/83rdanniversary.htm.  A miracle of the Child Martyr Grand Duchess Maria is found here:  http://www.serfes.org/royal/miracleofmaria.htm.  Please take time to peruse the variety of pages on the holy martyred family on Fr. Nektarios' site.

Let us consider a prayer to the Royal martyrs, Tsar Nicholas, Tsarina Alexandra and the royal martyred children who have undergone the ultimate trial in this life and emerged triumphant: 

O Holy Royal Martyrs Nicholas, Alexandra,

Alexis, Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia,

pray to God for us, that we, too,

when the hour of trial comes upon us,

remain faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

A very informative icon featuring the Royal Family and other New Martyrs, Confessors and Passion-bearers of Russia can be found here:  http://www.allsaintsofamerica.org/martyrs/nmruss.html