ODE TO TSESAREVICH ALEXEI

Written by Archbishop Andrei Logvinov
29 September, 2003

In your sailor suit you’re watching,
As Russia cuts its anchors …
Oh, Most Holy Passion Bearer Alexei,
Son of the last Russian Tsar!

How prophetically you bled –
As entire Russia later overflowed with blood.
As that cellar was pierced by a rifle –
So Russia was driven into cellars by forces of evil.

There is only gentleness in you, young man, only light,
Only truth and holy goodness.
But the Lord had thrust you at thirteen
On Russia’s Cross.

Pray now all the Russia!
Resurrection miracle was not in vain…
Oh, Most Holy Tsesarevich Alexei –
The image of the future Russian Tsar!

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Translated by Helen Azar