The events from more than a century ago are being remembered in Bendery. A major historical event took place in this small provincial town in May 1916. Emperor Nicholas II arrived with his wife Alexandra Feodorovna, their daughters – Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia – and the heir to the Russian throne, Tsarevich Alexei. The royal family's visit came at a difficult time – the height of World War I. Bendery was involved in preparing the Russian army for a large-scale offensive that would later go down in history as the Brusilov Offensive then. Nicholas II personally inspected the troops before they were sent to the front. The imperial family visited the military hospital located in the City Auditorium building (now part of the Art College named after). Nicholas II spoke with the wounded. Photographs from his august visit have survived, depicting views of Bendery and a troop review. Researchers claim that some of the photographs may have been taken by the emperor's daughter, Princess Anastasia Nikolaevna. Nicholas II left a note in his diary about his visit to Bendery. The royal family's arrival was widely discussed in the city. The emperor sent a telegram of thanks to the Bessarabian governor after the trip, asking him to convey his heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome to the residents of Bendery and the surrounding district.
Attended by the PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky, government officials, clergy, Bender residents, and visitors the commemorative events were held here today, 110 years later. The organizers were the Tiraspol-Dubossary Diocese and the local administration.
Archbishop Sawa celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Transfiguration Cathedral of Bendery. The participants then walked in a religious procession to the Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky, restored in 2011 at the initiative and with the direct participation of Vadim Krasnoselsky. EMPERORS Alexander I, Nicholas I, and Nicholas II (the latter four times) made a visit here before the church's devastating times. A chapel was built in 2017 near the cathedral in honor of the Romanovs, executed in 1918. A cross and dome were erected for the centenary of this tragic event. The events have been held here every year in memory of the holy royal martyrs since then.
Vadim Krasnoselsky participated in a prayer service for the royal passion-bearers and a litany for the defenders of the Fatherland who remained faithful to duty and faith. A special cancellation of a themed envelope was timed to coincide with the commemorative date. A traditional tea party followed in the gazebo, known as the Tsar's. It was erected exactly 10 years ago – to mark the centenary of the visit of the imperial family, who prayed in the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in May 1916 and drank tea there after the service.
