· The Romanovs. The Diary of Olga Romanov - blessOTMA
This has turned out to be quite a long article because I found it difficult to cull the selected passages from Olga’s diary (and secondary sources). I also found some of Helen Azar’s contextual notes well worth reproducing. Peruse in your own time - this is just my own journal entry after all.
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About the Author – Helen Azar
Helen Azar has written several books including
· In the Steps of the Romanovs: The Final Two Years of the Russian Imperial Family 1916-1918
· The Diary of Olga Romanov: Royal Witness to the Russian Revolution
· Maria Romanov: Third Daughter of the Last Tsar - Diaries and Letters 1908-1918
· Russia's Last Romanovs: In Their Own Words
· Maria and Anastasia: The Youngest Romanov Grand Duchesses in Their Own Words
Her website is “The Romanov Family - Their history… in their own words”.
https://www.theromanovfamily.com
Helen is also a major contributor to the commemorative work “The Romanov Royal Martyrs: What Silence Could Not Conceal” mentioned on my susbstack previously.
From Helen’s website …
While researching for her first book, “The Diary of Olga Romanov”, Helen visited Russia several times, and as part of the library school academic curriculum worked in the Rare Book Fund at the Museum at Tsarskoe Selo, which holds the imperial book collection, including that of Catherine the Great and the last Tsar Nicholas II.
Helen’s professional scientific training and a passion for Russian history led to co-authoring several articles on the identification of the remains of the last Tsar and his family.
Currently Helen lives in Australia and works at home, translating, researching and writing books on Romanov family history. She led her first the centennial “In Their Steps” Living History Tour in July of 2018, to commemorate 100 years since the murders of the Romanov family members, and is working on another tour for the later part of 2020.”
Helen Azar provides some very worthwhile and informative contextual commentary and many of her own words are worth highlighting.
Passages from Helen Azar’s commentary…
From the introductory chapter “Russia and the Romanovs Before World War I”:
“Starting in August 1914, the events of World War I and the work with the wounded at the infirmary where Olga worked as a nurse filled her entire life. This is clearly reflected in her writings. Her empathy toward the wounded soldiers who fought for their country, her loyalty to Russia, love for her parents and siblings, and her strong religious faith are always evident in her diary entries.“
[…]
Olga might have played a much more significant role in the history of not only Russia but most likely the entire world.
As things actually stood in 1917-18, Grand Duchess Olga was relatively irrelevant in political terms. She was murdered along with her parents and siblings not because of what she did or could have done, but because of who she was.
The surviving diaries of all of Nicholas II’s daughters were kept under strict supervision in Russian archives until very recently. Most of them have not been translated into English or published at all. This book contains translations of representative excerpts from Grand Duchess Olga’s diary covering the time period 1914-1917, from World War I to the Russian Revolution.”
From the introductory chapter “The Childhood of Olga Romanov”:
“Pierre Gilliard, the grand duchesses’ French tutor, described in his memoirs his first meeting with Olga: “The eldest of the Grand Duchesses, Olga, a girl of about ten, [was] blonde, with eyes full of mischief, and a slightly retroussé little nose; [she] was studying me with an expression that seemed like an attempt to find my weakest point – however, from this child emanated such feeling of purity and sincerity that she immediately gained my sympathy.“
Olga was always described as the most intelligent and studious of the imperial siblings, but at the same time the most prone to self-analysis, even melancholy. Around the age of ten in 1905, Olga started recording her thoughts and daily activities in a personal diary in accordance with the imperial family tradition. She kept this diary until March 1917, around the time of her father’s abdication from the Russian throne.
Due to her mother’s frequent illnesses and dislike of public events, it often fell to Olga, as she grew older, to perform the duties that the tsar’s consort would usually do. Of the imperial children, Olga was closest to her father, but she loved both her parents profoundly, as is evident from her diaries.”
[…]
“As Olga grew older, in addition to her love of nature and the outdoors, she became an even more voracious reader of books: the classics, the history of Russia and works detailing the lives of the peasants ancient traditions, customs, laws, and geography of her nation. She had an extraordinary memory. According to Meriel Buchanan, she never forgot anything that she learned or had been told. Olga also loved music and was an excellent pianist.”
Passages from Olga’s Diary …
I won’t block quote each of these – some comments and supplementary passages from secondary sources will follow below.
1914
First entry from 1914 …
Tuesday, 7th January.
Went on Vetka [train] to meet Aunt Ella. Breakfasted in the library with Papa, Mama. Inc. Boris and Underlying cause Georgiy. During the day we 3 with Papa skied down the hill by the White Tower. Mama at the bottom. Lots of fun. Spoke on the telephone to Aunt Olga. At 10 1/2 to bed. It was boring. Papa in his [rooms] reading.
Saturday, 19th July.
Talked with [name in code]. Tea with Papa and Mama and breakfast with Ioann, dinner also, and with Dmitri and Aunt Olga. During the day took a walk with Papa. After vsnoshnaya [vespers] it was announced that the German swine have declared war on us. Gold help us. So difficult.
Thursday 24th July
Passed by dear Yalta. Overcast and rainy. During the day sat at home, sewed. Rode our bicycles. Later at 6 o’clock ended up at Anya’s with her 3 charming nieces. Aunt Olga came for dinner with [illegible]. Austria declared war on us. Bastards.
1915
Letter from Olga to Nicholas II:
19 April.
Papa, my darling!
In honor of Easter Sunday we visited 2 infirmaries again.
… Drenteln came here with a box of medals and we gave them out. Everyone was very grateful. There are some critically [wounded], and the recuperating ones all want to return to the army, and smile charmingly when they are asked about it. The weather is overcast and cool. Mama is still lying down in the balcony.
This morning before obednya in the grotto church, Sargeant Kuznetzov was converted from old belief to Orthodoxy. It was rather solemn and nice. When his feet had to be anointed, they brought him a chair and he pulled off his shoes. Batushka was rejoicing and save a short instructional sermon.
[…]
Well, until we meet soon. Papa, my jewel. May the Lord keep you. I kiss you very very affectionately.
Your loyal Elisavetgradetz.
Letter from Olga to Nicholas II:
9 May [1915].
Papa-sunny!
Until now couldn't get around to writing you. We are sitting after dinner in Mama's lilac room. She and Tatiana are playing some game, Marie is playing Izbe Kheruvymi [the Cherubic Hymn) on the piano and hitting a lot of wrong notes. Nastaska is writing something. Ortipo was chasing the little machine and Trupp's shoe buckle and has now calmed down. It was so nice at the vsenoshnaya. The entire church was full of greenery. The birches bloomed a little and were everywhere, upstairs and downstairs in the corners. The weather, although sunny, but after Vitebsk is very cool. It was so nice there. Everything covered in greenery, bird-cherry trees are blossoming, the fruit trees too.
It was so awfully sad, the death of admiral Essen. Remember, when he used to come on the whaleboat with a “Thank God" and a briefcase with a report for you? I am not going to write about the grenade explosion. It is such villainy.
I am ending now. May the Lord keep you, my jewel Papa darling. I love you very very much and kiss you.
Your loyal Elisavetgradetz.
Saturday. 11th July. [Olga's name day]
We 2 and Al. to the infirmary. From there to Znamenie. Changed dressings. . . At 12 1/2 had moleben for me. Grandma had breakfast. Sat on the balcony with Mama and wrote telegrams. Very warm - 14 deg. In the evening went to venoshnaya. Later, we 3 with Papa and Mama to Pavlovsk. Sat on the balcony with T., Aunt Olga, Mavra, Ioannchik . . and Elena. Came home at 11 o'cl. Save us, Holy Lord.
Saturday. 22nd August 1915.
Papa, Mama and Aleksei were in the city, receiving lmembers] of the Duma. Breakfast on the balcony with Nikolai Pavlovich, marvelous weather. Caught 39 bees. During day walked with Papa and Nikolai Pavlovich. Mama on a cvart in Bablovo. Spoke to Mitya on the telephone. Tea in the playroom. Anastasia was downstairs in the evening … Nikolai Pavlovich and Anya had dinner. At 10 o'clock went to the train station to see off darling Papa. Lord help and save him on this new difficult journey as the Commander-in-Chief. Mama was tired from everything and these difficult times. [We] went to bed right away …
Letter from Olga to Nicholas II, 29 August 1915
{…]
At Anyas we saw the wife and daughters of Gregori Yefimovich [Rasputin]. She is so nice and cozy. Papa, darling, it's time for me to end. Right now we are going to the vsenoshnaya and the general confession - I am asking Your forgiveness.
May the Lord keep and help you.
I kiss you affectionately and warmly, my dear Papa, kiss you the same way I love You.
Your loyal Elisavetgradetz.
1916
From the memoirs of nurse S. Y. Ofrosimova (?13-14 April)
[S. Y. Ofrosimova worked at the infirmary with the grand duchesses.]
In my mind's eye I see them [the grand duchesses] again sitting across from me as in that distant past.
Diagonally from me is the Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna. She draws me to her with irresistible force – the force of her charm. I almost cannot work when she is siting that close to me, I just keep looking at her enchanting little face.
And only then, when my eyes meet her intelligent, kind and gentle eyes, do I look down at my own work, embarrassed and confused when she starts talking amiably to me...
She cannot be called beautiful, but all of her being exudes such femininity and such youth, that she seems more than beautiful. The more you look at her, the more comely and more charming is her face. It is illuminated by an inner light, appears more and more wondrous with each bright smile, her manner of laughing, throwing her head back, so that you can see the even row of her snow-white pearly teeth.
Skillfully and deftly, her unusually beautiful and delicate hands perform their work. In a particularly careful and loving manner, all of her fragile and delicate being leans over soldier's shirt which she is sewing …
One cannot help but recall the words spoken to me by one of her tutors: "Olga Nikolaevna has a crystal soul."
Friday: 15th April.
Walked to the infirmary with the little ones. ... At 2 o'clock went to Kokorevsky infirmary with Mama, and after 3 dock met darling Papa. [We] broke the ice remnants with he sailors under the bridge. Papa and Mama took a walk. She --- in a wheelchair. After tea, [we] rode with Isa. In the evening Papa read to us.
Tuesday. 26th April.
Massage and to the infirmary. Mama also. Papa arrived yesterday. Ate with Mama, tea and dinner on the balcony. Warm, a little windy. . . . We 4 rode with Nastenka. Had a singing lesson. Helped Aleksei with homework, later rode with him and Vladimir Nikolaevich. In the evening went to our [infirmary] to clean the instruments. Mama has facial pains again and [her] heart [is] not too good.
Saturday, 10th September
Countess Hendrikova died during the night. Went to Znamenie with Mama and to the infirmary. Are with Mama nd Anya. At 2 1/2 looked at the medical motor named after Tatiana from the Americans. At 3 o'cl. went with Mana to the a Hussar's barracks where 52 children of the reserves reside. They were doing gymnastics and singing. Going to vsenoshnaya without Mama. She is tired and doesn't feel well. Papa wrote. We 3 went with Mama to the panikhida for Countess Hendrikova. The entire family was there. Returned after 10 o'clock.
Sunday. 11th September.
We 4 in the Grotto church for obednya. After that - to the infirmary. Mama - later. Boris was there. Rainy, overcast. Ate with Mama. At 2 o’clock, Kasyanoc said farewell. Keep him safe, Lord. We 4 went to the Grand Palace. Sat at home. Had my hair washed.
Saturday. 15th October.
With Mama to Znamenie and the infirmary. Freezing, overcast. Trina had breakfast. We 4 went to the Grand Palace, later took a ride on the motor. Rode by Mitya's mama’s [house] but she wasn't home, we did see her yesterday morning and today. Papa wrote. Anya had tea. Going to vsenoshnaya with Mama. We 4 went to the infirmary. Was talk the front room with Kulnev when suddenly Mitya walked in. So awfully happy to see him with a part in his hair. Stood in the hallway and sat. [I] darned socks.
Thursday. 3rd November. 18
21 years old. To Znamenie and to the infirmary with Mama. Not much to do. At 12 o'clock moleben, and home at 1 1/2. Sunny, cold. Papa and Aleksei wrote to me, such dears. Received a lot of telegrams and letters. From our [friends and relatives] in Yalta, etc. Dmitri had tea. Responded to letters and telegrams the entire time. In the evening to the infirmary with Mama. Played the countess's piano in the ladies room. Mitya sent Bibi a telegram from Mozdok. Left after 11 1/4.
Saturday. 17th December. [Rasputin has gone missing]
We 2 to Znamenie. Did everything as usual, made up the beds, etc. Sokolov is gloomier than dark night. Played bloshki [tiddlywinks] with Kasyanov against T. [Tatiana] and Ulan. Ate with Mama. Anya drank tea, had dinner. Sat all day with Mama. Father Grigori is missing since last night. They are looking for him everywhere - awfully hard. Attended vsenoshnaya here at the house. In the evening, Mama, Anya, confessed. Lili Dehn was here. Papa wrote. Sat almost until 12 clock. Everyone was waiting for a telephone [call] from Kalinin, etc. Slept all 4 together. Lord help us.
Monday. 19th December. [News that Rasputin has been murdered]
As usual, to Znamenie and to the infirmary. Almost nothing to do. Went with Kasyanov to the drawing room and behind closed doors, without anyone present, I played and he sang various new beautiful things. Ate with Mama. Found out for certain that Father Grigori was murdered, most likely by Dmitri and thrown from a bridge by Khrestovky. They found him in the water. It’s so terrible, should not even write. Sat and drank tea with Lili and Anya and the entire time felt Father Gregori with us ... at 6 o'clock met Papa and Aleksei. Such joy. Had dinner together. After 10 o'clock Papa and Mama received Kalinin, then Uncle Pavel. We were in Anya's rooms. At 12 o'clock to bed.
Christmas Day:
At 10 1/2 with Papa to obednya. Mama and Al. later. Ate all together. Beautiful bright sun, sky, 7 [degrees] of frost. At 2 everyone went to the arena for the Convoy's Christmas party. All dear ones were there. Looking at them is so soothing. Went for a walk with Papa for a half an hour - after that he and Mama received Kalinin. At 6 we 2 with Mama to our infirmary; a Christmas tree was set up in the drawing room. Everyone except Sokolov was gathered there - Mama gave out gifts to all. Left at 7. Mama received Prince Golytzin. After dinner [I] played, at Papa's request, religious things [music] and everyone went to Anya's where Father Grigoris entire family was present: Paraskovia, Feod[orovna], Mitya, Matryona, and Varya. They are leaving for Pokrovskoye on Tuesday. Went to [see] Al.[eksei] and Zhenya. At 11 to bed.
Mama doesn't feel too well, but she is so brave. Save her, Lord.
From the memoirs of V. I. Chebotareva:
December 1916.
We suffered such anxieties during that 17th! I came by the infirmary around seven o'clock, the nurse on duty rushed over: "They reported on the telephone: Grigori was killed" … The children called: "We cannot come in the evening, we have a duty, must stay with mama." At eleven in the evening Elizaveta Nikolaevna called, the commandant told her husband - Yusupov killed (Rasputin), the body has not been found. Interesting, they already knew about this incident at two o'clock?
In the evening, they say, around five o'clock, [they] found out about the loss, tears, despair. On Sunday, she [Olga?] and Tatiana Nikolaevna went to confession. On Sunday, the children did not come at all, came on Monday, faces swollen from tears, looking at everyone suspiciously. In the middle of dressings, Tatiana went out, spoke to Varvara Afanasievna, started crying, returned to operating room, keeping from (crying] with difficulty. … Truly, today is a confirmation of Olga’s remarks: “Mama does not feel well, and is tired, sitting with papers all day, much to do, in the morning the entire bed is covered [with papers].
1917
Sunday: 1st January.
At 10 1/2 we 4 with Papa to obednya. Al.[eksei) is getting better, took a walk with us and had breakfast. Mama as usual, fas on the couch. Around 2 we 3 went to take a walk with papa. At 3 o'clock we 2 rode to the infirmary. Stayed there until almost 7 o'clock. We have 12 new [patients], including critical. In the evening Papa read Chekhov to us, a short story "Knyaginya" ["The Duchess"]. At 11 to bed. Help us, Holy Father in the New Year.
Saturday. 7th January.
We 2 rode around with Nastenka, 5 deg. of frost. In the morning the sun is bright and [there is a] rainbow. Fredericks had tea. All conversation is difficult. Sat at Anyas with Lili, She lay down, high T°. Didn't go to vsenoshnaya. Mama feels dreadful. She is so tired. Lord save her. Later Al. went to Anya's with Mama. She feels just dreadful.
Monday. 9th January.
To Znamenie and we 2 to the infirmary. Volga wasn't there and he two of us, Rita and I, substituted. Made up the beds, distributed medicines, changed dressings for the wounded, etc. During the day we 4 rode in the troika with Isa. 3 deg. [of] frost. In the morning lots of snow. Mama was lying on the balcony. (We] were preparing for the Romanian ceremony and that made me angry. The ceremony was successful, [I] sat between Papa and Uncle Mimi. Mama was tired of course, but looked very beautiful in a black and white scarf with a diamond strip in her hair. At 10 o'clock everything was over. Papae read to us, Chekhov's "Ved'ma" (The Witch) and “V Sud" [To the Court of Law].
Tuesday. 10ch January.
We 2 with Mama went to visit the grave of Father Grigori. Today is his name day. Had a music lesson with T. In the evening Papa read to us, Chekhov's "Sobytie" [The Incident] and started "Vragi" [The Enemy).
Sunday, 15th January.
During the day 4 deg. frost. We 4 with Papa to obednya. After dinner went to Anya's where (we) sat in the drawing room by the fireplace, etc.
Tuesday. 17th January.
We 2 to Znamenie and to the infirmary. Kamenetsky's appendicitis surgery lasted for a long time. Karol of Rumania had breakfast with us and during the day [we] walked with him and Papa. Uncle Mimi had dinner. Left at 10 o'clock. Later, until 11 hrs 25 min. Papa read to us "Shvedskaya spichka” [The Swedish Match] and "Kleveta" [Slander].
Sunday. 22nd January.
All with Papa to obednya. Mama and I a little later. During day sat with Mama at Al.'s, he is not bad, but not allowed get up, in case the streptococcus attacks the joints. After cinematograph. 25 of frost. Sunny and awfully cold. At 6 o’clock the Cossacks came over to Anya’s: […] Again there was a quarrel between me and AleksKonst. with Vikt.Gr. over a chair. It was so merry with them, as always, and cozy. Had dinner all together. In the evening all at Anya's.
Wednesday. 25th January.
Today is the 40ch day of Father Grigori's [death]. Unable to walk with Papa because [I] went to the Grand Palace. Later sat in Al.’s [room]. There was a cinematograph. Mama received [visitors] almost until 4 1/2. In the evening looked at photographs from the 4th of Oct [illegible].
Thursday. 9th February.
Today Mitya is 24 years old. Lord save him. We 2 to the inform.[aryl. Did the same as always. Uncle Georgiy had breakfast, while Mama was in bed because of her heart, but got up later and sat with Al.[eksei]. [I] sat at home nursing a cold. [It is] warmer. Father Grigori's daughters visited Anya. In the evening Lili [Dehn] sat with us until 11 o'clock. [I] have a headache.
Thursday. 16th February.
Slept well. Polyakov came by. T° 36,7 - 36,9 - 36,9 - did not see Al.[eksei] His arm hurts and he is lying down, poor little one. I am sitting in the Red Room with M. She has a cough. ... Mama stopped by in the morning. Sat here during the day - Papa was here, Anya was here. Nastenka had tea. I am reading "War and Peace" to M.[aria] - 37,1.
day. 19 February.
In general slept well. T° 36,5 - 37,1 1/2-37,0. Shvybzio and M. were with me. They are also coughing. Polyakov was here. [I] lay in the Red Room. Mama god Pars star
Olga Romanov’s final diary entry
15th March, Wednesday [1917]
On the 23rd [February] at breakfast got sick with measles – was put to bed. Aleksei [got sick] during the day, and Anya too. The ear[ache] went away slowly. The next day Tat.[iana] got sick, [we] lay down together. Al, came by during the day in his bed - it was dark. My T° reached 40.3. Mama is with us all he time. Shrybz got sick on the 2nd [of] M.[arch] - Maria [on] the 7th. On the 27th or 28th Febr. Lili Dehn rived here and is still living in the Red Room.
Helen Azar writes:
[Olga’s diary abruptly ends on March 15, 1917. Perhaps out of depression or other reasons, she never recorded in her diary any further events. She did write numerous letters to friends and relatives from exile, first from the Siberian city of Tobolsk, and later from Ekaterinburg. From here on, others take over to finish her story.]
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I have left out lots of juicy passages but even with this rather lengthy snapshot from Olga’s diary and related correspondence we get a glimpse of some momentous world events – the outbreak of WWI and the murder of Rasputin. But we also see the mundanely routine thoughts and activities that occupied Olga – daily prayer and religious and confessional services, daily to one of the infirmaries having been trained in nursing along with her mother and sister Tatiana, in humble and sacrificial service to the Russian people, learning, studying including music and reading. We also so often see her mention how Mama (Alexandra) was very fragile health wise – leg pains and headaches mainly.
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This exchange between Alexandra and Olga (then aged 13 or 14) epitomises their essential goodness and innocence.
Alix to Olga [daughter] - 1 January 1909 - Tsarskoe Selo
My sweet little Olga,
May the new year 1909 bring you much happiness and rich blessings. Try to be an example of what a good little obedient girlie ought to be. You are the eldest and must show the others how to behave. Learn to make others happy, think of yourself last of all. Be gentle and kind, never rough nor rude. In manners as well as in speech be a real lady. Be patient and polite, try to help sisters in every possible way.
When you see somebody sad, try to cheer them up and show them a bright sunny smile. You know so well to be sweet and gentle with me, be so towards sisters too.
Show a loving heart. Above all, learn to love God with all the force of your soul and He will ever be near you. Pray to Him with all your heart. Remember He sees and hears everything. He loves His children dearly, but they must learn to do His will.
I kiss you very tenderly, sweet child and bless you lovingly. +
God be with you and the Holy Virgin watch over you.
Your old mama
Alix to Olga [daughter] - 11 January 1909 - Tsarskoe Selo
11 January 1909
Olga dear,
You want me to write a letter. Girlie mine, you must remember that one of the first things is to be polite and not rude, neither in manners nor in words. Rude words in the mouth of little children is more than not nice. Be always thoughtful and frank.
Listen to those who are older than you. Remember above all to always be a good example to the little ones, only then our Friend will be contented with you.
They are small and don't understand things so well, and will always imitate the big ones. Therefore you must think of every word you say and what you do.
Be particularly polite to all the servants and nurses. They look after you so well.
Think of Mary, how she has nursed you all, how she does her very best for you, and when tired and feels not well you must not add by making her nervous. Listen to her, be obedient and always kind. I have made her your nurse and you must always be good with her and also S.I. You are big enough to understand what I mean.
Be good and listen to your mother. Read this to Tatiana. Always beg pardon when you have been rude or disobedient. Now try your best, and I shall be happy.
A loving kiss from your old Mama+
Olga [daughter) to Alix - 12 January 1909 - Tsarskoe Selo
My sweety darling Mama,
I am going to write to you a letter because you wrote one and such a kind one to me. Shall try to do all you wrote to me. It is sometimes not a bit easy with Mary, because she is with out any reason angry and gets cross for nothing.
Mama dear it helps me very much when you write to me what to do, and then I try to do it is better as I can.
Olga
Alix to Olga [daughter] - 24 January 1909 - Tsarskoe Selo
Olga darling,
Fondest thanks for your dear little and kind prayers and wishes. When God thinks the time comes to make me better, He will, and not before. He knows why He sent the illness, and we must be quite sure it's for some good. When I can see our dear friend, I shall be very happy.
You are growing very big - don't be so wild and kick about and show your legs, it is not pretty. I never did so when your age or when I was smaller and younger even.
God bless you with tenderest kisses from
Your loving, old Mama+
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From another source, here is what Olga sent and dedicated to her mother Alexandra, dated 23 April 1917.
“For suffering of others, you are full of anguish,
And no one’s grief bypasses you.
Only to yourself are you relentless
Always merciless and forever cold!
But if your loving soul could see
Just once with someone else’s eyes your sorrow –
Oh, how you would pity you.
And how you would weep so sadly for yourself.”
To my beloved Mama (23 April, 1917)
The poem is by Aleksei Konstantinovich Tolstoy, penned in 1859. Grand Duchess Olga copied it down and dedicated it to her mother, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, on 23 April, 1917.
What a beautiful observation of someone (her own mother) who stoically suffered daily with her own ailments and worries, yet only gave her thoughts and time in service for the suffering of others.
Both mother and daughter were to be sadistically and ritualistically murdered at the hands of the Jews that took over Russia just over a year later.
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Here are a few more short videos, mainly from the channels ‘The Romanov Royal Martyrs’ and ’blessOTMA’
· Romanovs in Color | Olga - The Romanov Royal Martyrs
· Olga Nikolaevna. Olga's Smile. - blessOTMA
· Olga and Tatiana. The Big Pair. - blessOTMA
· Olga Romanov | Childhood Memories - The Romanov Royal Martyrs
· Olga's Failed Match and her True Love - The Romanov Royal Martyrs
· Olga Nikolaevna Romanova - Robert McManners
· The Romanovs. Their names – blessOTMA
· The Romanovs .The Big Pair up close - blessOTMA
· The Romanovs. Olga and Alexei : A sister's smile - blessOTMA
· The Romanovs. Olga Nicholaievna – blessOTMA
· The Romanovs. Our Hospital 1914 -1916 - blessOTMA
· The Romanovs. Their Faces - blessOTMA
· Olga Nikolaevna. Bright Soul. - blessOTMA
· Olga Nikolaevna . Her portrait. - blessOTMA
· Olga Nikolaevna : I cried for you - blessOTMA
· Russia's Daughters. Olga & Tatiana - blessOTMA
A final word from Olga about forgiveness ... (from The Romanov Royal Martyrs) ... written in the hand of Olga on behalf of her father ...
"Grant us Thy patience, Lord,
In these our woeful days,
The mob’s wrath to endure,
The torturer’s ire;
Thy unction to forgive
Our neighbors’ persecution
And mild, like Thee, to bear
A bloodstained Cross.
And when the mob prevails
And foes come to despoil us,
To suffer humbly shame,
O Savior aid us!
And when the hour comes
To pass the last dread gate,
Breathe strength in us to pray,
Father forgive them!"