A meeting of the heads of departments and divisions of the Yekaterinburg Diocese was held in Yekaterinburg, dedicated to preparations for the Royal Days in the year of the 108th anniversary of the martyrdom of the holy Royal family and their faithful servants.
The XXV International Festival of Orthodox Culture "Tsar's Days" will be held from July 11 to July 21, 2026. Famous scientists, writers, historians, theologians, artists and musicians from various regions of the country, as well as neighboring countries, will take part in it.
The festival is aimed at preserving the spiritual heritage of the Royal family and historical enlightenment. Part of the events is traditionally devoted to the peculiarities of the reign of the Tsar–Martyr and the events preceding the tragedy of July 17, 1918.
Traditionally, the program includes lectures of "Royal meetings", presentations of books and performances, Royal musical evenings. The Bell Ringing Festival "Evangelize the land of the Urals!", the International Orthodox Exhibition-Forum "From Repentance to the Resurrection of Russia", the Museum and educational St. Elizabeth Readings, the Children's sailing regatta, exhibitions and pilgrimage routes – all this will allow pilgrims to immerse themselves in the theme of memorable days.
Preparations for the meeting of numerous pilgrims are currently in full swing at the Memorial Church on Blood and at the Royal Monastery on Ganina Yama. These are the two main places associated with the spiritual feat of the holy Royal Passion-bearers.
The central event of the Tsarist Days, its "spiritual core" is the nightly Divine Liturgy on the night of July 16-17 and the Royal Procession following it. For this, "the whole of Russia gathers in the Ural capital."
Volunteer brigades are being formed in the parishes of the Yekaterinburg Diocese today, which will accompany the pilgrims from July 15 to 17, when the main divine services will be held.
The tradition of the Royal Procession began on July 17, 1992, when the ruling bishop, Vladyka Melchizedek, led the procession from Koptyaki to Ganina Yama. The first "big" Royal procession along the route that has now become familiar was led by Bishop Nikon of Yekaterinburg in 1994. Prayer books were held from the center of the Ural capital to the place where the monastery of the Holy Royal Passion-Bearers now stands.