A Curse For Life Pt. 4: Holy and Royal Duty

It was a fine autumn morning. Slightly crispy. There was a cold breeze, reminding all that winter was near; although, the presence of the sun countered this cold. At least, in the sun, one could stay warm. In the shade, the cold was felt more. Maria was awake at 7am. She was not attended on until 7:30. Maria lay in her double bed, in the Alexander Palace, her hands behind her head, watching the ceiling whilst deep in thought over the past year.

From the little news she'd recieved of Stephanje, Father Stephanje as he was now to be known, (and will be refered to as such from here on in), he was doing well. From the obvious addition of the title "Father" before his name, he had been ordained. One thing he had come to admire about his Patriarch was that there was no influence of politics in the Church. The Church was left to her own devices, and was autonomous. It was by the grace of God, through the Patriarch, that the Tsar wore his Crown. With no blessing on it, it remained a crown, not an Imperial crown. As for the Tsar, he would not be recognised as such in the Church, if there was no Holy blessing.

In that one year away, Stephanje had changed greatly. He was as humble as ever before. As quiet as before. However, unlike before, he now looked upon the Imperial family with a respect, which itself, demanded a respect above that which he was showing. It was in the small things that the difference now showed. In the distance; physically, socially, politically, that he maintained. In the addition of "Father", he was no longer Stephanje. Along with this came the custom of the laity, including the Imperial family, kissing his right hand. The first, however, to acknowledge his change, and, thus, accepting it, was his cousin. Most held the belief that the Tsar should have been the first to recognise Stephanje, however, the Tsar held no grudge. In fact he welcomed the idea that his son, attached so strongly to his cousin, was the first to remind him of the love they shared for each other. The rest followed suite.

Just over six months after his ordination as deacon, Stephanje was ordained a priest. This time Maria was the first to recognise his step- up. All the while Stephanje grew more and more humble and quiet. He hardly spent time at the Palace any more. He had been placed at the Cathedral of Saint Petersburg. At the request of Maria and Alexander, the Patriarch agreed to allow Stephanje to be present at their marriage. He made no promise, however, that Stephanje would be able to conduct the part of the ceremony, where the priest, holding the right hands of the couple, walks them around a table three times; the first steps an Orthodox couple make as husband and wife. The priest holding the gospel would symbolise Christ, who would lead the couple on their journey, together. It was significant, and symbolic. It still is today.

Maria got dressed with the aid of her maid- servants. The Imperial family had gathered at the Alexander Palace, while Maria and the Danish Royal family got prepared in the Catherine Palace. Alexander and his Maria were to be married in the Imperial Cathedral of the Winter Palace, in Saint Petersburg. The wedding was attended by all the royalty and nobility of Europe. Russia's aristocracy had all turned up for the wedding, along with 8,000 people crowding the streets of Saint Petersburg.

c. John Apotsis 2008- 2009