The Bolsheviks killed him and his family, but they could not destroy their faith. In the early hours of July 17, 1918, Tsar Nicholas II, Tsarina Alexandra, their five children Olga, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia, and Alexei and their loyal attendants were led into a basement in Yekaterinburg under the false promise of safety. Instead, they were mercilessly executed. During their imprisonment, the Holy Royal Family endured suffering, humiliation, and uncertainty with unwavering faith in Christ. They devoted themselves to prayer, forgave their enemies, and accepted their cross with humility, becoming shining examples of Christian endurance. The Orthodox Church venerates them not because they ruled an empire, but because they bore their suffering and death as faithful servants of Christ. Today, we commemorate the Holy Royal Martyrs Tsar Nicholas II, Tsarina Alexandra, the Tsarevich Alexei, the Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia. Holy Royal Passion Bearers, pray to God for us! ☦️