Canadian Parish Honors Royal Martyrs with Annual 'Royal Days' Commemoration
Services, processions, and festive meal mark tribute to Tsar Nicholas II and family at Jackson’s Point chapel.
JACKSON’S POINT, ON — The parish of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God Church, known within Canada’s Russian Orthodox community as “Berezki,” solemnly marked the “Royal Days” with liturgical celebrations and communal events in honor of the Holy and Righteous Royal Martyrs Tsar Nicholas II, Tsarina Alexandra, and their children.
Held annually since 2017 - when Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York of blessed memory laid the foundation of a chapel to mark the centennial of the family’s martyrdom - the commemorations have become a spiritual centerpiece of the parish.
Photo: synod.com
On July 16–17, 2025, Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the chapel, followed by a cross procession and moleben for the Royal Martyrs, led by parish rector Fr. Maxim Abroskin. Evening services continued on July 17, with an additional Divine Liturgy on July 18 commemorating the Holy Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna.
The commemorations concluded Sunday, July 20, with a festive parish lunch hosted by the sisterhood named in honor of St. Elizabeth. The annual celebration draws faithful from across the region to honor the legacy of the Royal Martyrs with prayer, fellowship, and remembrance.
Previously, UOJ reported that Met. Jonah of ROCOR had performed several baptisms and ordinations at St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church in Atlanta.
