The martyrdom of Tsar Nicolas and his family - an Orthodox holy day

Orthodox Faithful Remember Execution of the Tsar's Family

Moscow Times

July 17, 2008

"17 July 2008A descendant of Tsar Nicholas II called for formal recognition that his slain family were victims of Communist-era oppression Wednesday as church ceremonies commemorated 90 years since their murder.

Russian Orthodox churches nationwide were holding services and processions Wednesday and Thursday to commemorate the canonized tsar and his wife and children.Nicholas II abdicated in 1917 as revolutionary fervor swept Russia, and he and his family were detained. They were shot by a Bolshevik firing squad early on July 17, 1918, in the basement of the house where they were being held in Yekaterinburg."