November 14, 2020, the Feast Day of the Holy Martyrs, Physicians, and Unmercenaries Ss. Cosmas and Damian, marks the one year anniversary of the automobile accident in St. Petersburg involving H.I.H. The Heir, Tsesarevich, and Grand Duke George of Russia.
The Grand Duke had arrived in St. Petersburg on a flight from Moscow on November 14, 2019, in order to attend the International Cultural Forum.
The microbus in which His Imperial Highness and several others were riding was traveling at 60 kpm.
Suddenly, due to a mechanical problem, the driver lost control and the vehicle overturned.
By God’s mercy, the microbus did not sail into oncoming traffic or tumble into the Neva River, which would have had consequences far more tragic for the passengers and driver than what did happen. Instead, the microbus flipped in the direction of the grassy verge, landing on its roof.
“The Lord kept us safe” were the first words the Grand Duke told reporters.
The Grand Duke got himself out of the overturned vehicle and immediately offered assistance to others. He also immediately contacted his mother to notify her of the accident and assure her that he and everyone else in the vehicle were well. He noted with gratitude that police, firefighters, and ambulances arrived at the scene almost immediately and provided highly professional assistance to all who needed it.
The driver and passengers in the minibus were all taken to hospital for observation. Despite the serious nature of the accident, neither the Grand Duke nor any of the others in the vehicle, including the driver, sustained any serious injuries.
The Heir to the House of Romanoff then visited the Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral, where he prayed at the graves of his ancestors and offered thanks to God for His mercy toward him and those traveling with him.
The Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian of Asia Minor (1/14 November) is now among the special days when the miraculous salvation of members of the House of Romanoff from mortal danger is commemorated.
Other special days of commemoration include:
- Feast of the Venerable George of Mount Maleon (4/17 April) (commemorating the miraculous saving of Emperor Alexander II’s life during the first attempt on his life);
- Feast of the Holy Prophet Hosea and the Hieromartyr Andrew of Crete (17/30 October) (commemorating the miraculous saving of Emperor Alexander III and his family at the derailment of the Imperial train at Borki, near Kharkov, in 1888);
- Feast of the Hieromartyr Hypatius, Bishop of Gangra (March 31/April 13) (the rescue of the future Emperor-in-Exile Kirill Vladimirovich during the sinking of the battleship Petropavlovsk in 1904);
- Epiphany (6/19 January) (commemorating the miraculous survival of the Holy Royal Passion-Bearer Emperor Nicholas II, when he was accidentally wounded during a cannon salute at the Ss. Peter and Paul Fortress in 1905).
