CANADIAN DIOCESE: 21 July, 2026
The Canadian Diocesan youth camp Ruskoka prayerfully celebrates the "Royal Days"

On July 16–17, 2026, during the days of prayerful remembrance of the Holy Royal Martyrs of Russia, festive services were held at the Orthodox camp Ruskoka located in Ontario in a picturesque area 200 km north of Toronto. The feast-day celebrations were held at the church consecrated in honor of Holy Martyr Tsarevich Alexei Nikolaevich.

The services were conducted by the clergy of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Toronto: Priest Valentin Losev and Protopresbyter Alexander Morin. The church choir sang under the direction of Alexander Pushchin of Holy Trinity Cathedral,.

During the festive services, more than a hundred campers, counselors, and staff partook of the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, there was a procession of the cross around the camp grounds with the sprinkling of holy water on the camp buildings and worshipers. During the procession, prayers were offered for the blessing of the camp, its campers, mentors, and all those working in the field of Orthodox youth education.

After the outdoor service, Fr Valentin had a conversation with the camp attendees about the life and spiritual struggle of the holy Royal Martyrs. The priest spoke not only about the final days of the Royal Family’s life but also about the reign of Emperor Nicholas II. Special attention was given to the tragic events of 1917–1918.

At the end of the meeting, Fr Valentin emphasized that it was neither the policies nor economic achievements during the last Emperor’s reign that led to the glorification of the Royal Family, but their deep commitment to Christian principles, faithfulness to Christ, and humble acceptance of suffering.

The Royal Days have become an important part of the camp's spiritual program, helping young Orthodox Christians to better understand the history of their homeland, the spiritual feats of the Holy New Martyrs of the Russian Church, and to strengthen their love for God, the Church, and their spiritual heritage.

Canadian Diocese