In Beijing in the Orthodox Church on the territory of the Russian Embassy, a moleben service was conducted to Grand Princess, martyr Elizaveta Feodorovna. This was announced today in an interview with correspondent of Itar-Tass, said Bishop Sergius (Ivannikov) of Barnaul and Altai.
"Today's liturgy has been devoted to the appearance of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God - the keeper of the Orthodox East," - said Bishop Sergius. "After Sunday's liturgy, a prayer was also chanted in her honor, and we visited the site of the ruined temple, where the remains were buried before, of other co-martyrs of the Princess - Grand Duke Sergei, the princes of royal blood John, Konstantin and Igor, and their servants - Theodore and Vladimir.
On the eve, at the same place, on the territory of the former Russian Ecclesiastical Mission (now embassy of Russia in China, reports ITAR-TASS) we took the earth and put it in a capsule. Upon arrival in Moscow the capsule will be honorably inserted into an icon of the Saint Martyr Elizabeth, "- said Bishop Sergius.
According to the bishop, the Chinese capital has made a positive impression on him. "Beijing, as well as all the modern metropolis, produces multi-pronged effect: it is the delight of the grand buildings and admiration for the order. On the other hand, when we find ourselves in such oases of Russian life, as the territory of the former Orthodox cemetery (where presumably there are the remains of the princes, now is the city park - reports ITAR-TASS) and on the territory of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, we feel the kinship of Russia with this land, "- said Bishop Sergius.
A group of Russian pilgrims, led by Bishop Sergius followed the last path of the Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna. After a visit to Beijing and Alapaevsk, pilgrims will head to Jerusalem on July 23rd, where the relics are of Elizaveta Feodorovna and her sister nun Barbara.
Copyright 2013 ITAR-TASS.