Does Russia really need Monarchy?

[HRH Kerry]

The mother should be Russian Orthodox but what about the "candidate"? Does Prince Michael practice catholism or is it just his wife?

[Alison20]

Prince Michael is Church of England. His wife is Catholic. Both his children were brought up Church of England. However, the Church of England is in communion with the Russian Orthodox Church.

[BorisRom]

Kerry,
I think, any "candidate" should accept Orthodoxy together with the wife.
On the other hand, the modern religious situation in Russia very much differs from the situation in Imperial Russia (till 1917). Till 1917 Orthodoxy was «the state religion». Now 4 traditional faiths formally are equal in Russia: Orthodoxy, Moslem, Buddhism and Judaic faith. On the other hand, till 1917 the overwhelming majority of the population were the truly faithful (believers). Now about 80 % of the population count themselves as orthodox, but only 4 % of "orthodox people" on a regular basis attend Church.
Whether it is possible to imagine a monarchy (in Russia), which is not basing on Orthodoxy or even on christianity in general? Whether it is probably to elect a Tzar without an intronaton, - without a blessing by Russian Orthodox Church?
Or, on the contrary, whether it is possible to present, that all 4 religions will bless on reign of the monarch elected by people? First there should be an election (national elections by a Zemsky cathedral, by analogy to 1612 ?) and after that there should be a blessing by all four religions.
I think, just the last variant is represented unique true. In this case an acceptance of Orthodoxy by the candidate and his wife is desirable, but not obligatory.
Probably, the majority of Russians will be satisfied by "Forsyte's three principles" and will not demand an accepting by the candidate of Orthodoxy.

Boris

[HRH Kerry]

I would think that the religion does matter. As you've stated that 80% of the population is orthodox. Religion is a very touchy subject. Even though there hasn't been a monarchy in quite sometime, I would think that not being an orthodox monarch would be asking too much of the people of Russia. To change that tradition of religion to one less popular in the country would IMO lead to political unrest. Russia has come along way so I wouldn't want to see it go backwards.

[BorisRom]

I think, the nearest four-five years will be rather complex(difficult) and heavy for the Kremlin independent of who will president of Russia. The Kremlin after 2003 has made too many critical mistakes in internal and foreign policy (in economy also). The situation for Russia will be even catastrophic if the prices for oil will go down twice (or even less, on 30-40 %). In any case, in five-six years I predict for Russia very large and cardinal changes in a state system.
Boris

[BorisRom]

Originally Posted by kerry

I would think that the religion does matter. As you've stated that 80% of the population is orthodox. Religion is a very touchy subject...

Kerry,
I agree with you. However, moslems and Judaic people of Russia can do not agree with us. 20 % of the population of Russia are moslems. The religious question in Russia is certainly important, but is not the major.
In any case you are right and an acceptance of Orthodoxy by the candidate and by his wife is very desirable.
Boris

[BorisRom]

Originally Posted by Alison20

Prince Michael is Church of England. His wife is Catholic. Both his children were brought up Church of England. However, the Church of England is in communion with the Russian Orthodox Church.

Alison20,
thank you for the information.
Regards
Boris

[HRH Kerry]

Originally Posted by Alison20

Prince Michael is Church of England. His wife is Catholic. Both his children were brought up Church of England. However, the Church of England is in communion with the Russian Orthodox Church.

Thanks, Alison20. I wasn't sure what faith Prince Michael was. I only knew that Princess Michael was Catholic.

[Jo of Palatine]

Originally Posted by BorisRom

Jo of Palatine,
You are right. This real important problem is. I don't know its decision.
___ Frederik Forsyte in the novel "Icon" (1996) rather in detail investigated this problem. He has come to a surprising conclusion.
snip

So, His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent!
snip


___ As far as I know, Prince Michael of Kent repeatedly refused to discuss a theme of restoration of a monarchy in Russia, especially - from the participation in this fantastic prospect.

Boris

Yes, I read Icon but of course in the book a political situation in Russia is presented that points to an avalanche of change in the system. While the bad "icon" tries to use this situation to get to power his British counterparts use this situation to establish their prince with the help of the orthodox church - I don't see this happen nowadays, there is no vaccuum of power in Russia. Si IMHO only one pretender who comes out of the system could have a chance at all.

As for prince Michael - yes, he has a son. But do you really think that Lord Freddie is the right one as heir apparent of the throne, of any throne? It would be better if a kind of Spanish situation would arise: the powerful head of state selects, educates and guides a young prince who takes over the power after his "godfather"'s demise. But I don't see Putin or a potential successor turn towards that Prussian prince - does he even speaks Russian? Or has an romantic interest in marrying a princess who is willing to give up her western chances to become an potential empress in a country like Russia?

IMHO there is noone there who might have a chance. Unfortunately. But it's a problem other ex-dynasties have as well. Just think Habsburg - who will want Karl Habsburg with his unhappy hand in political affairs as the next emperor-in-waiting? Maybe his brother Georg has a better chance in Hungary but he is the spare, not the heir...

[BorisRom]

Originally Posted by Jo of Palatine

Si IMHO only one pretender who comes out of the system could have a chance at all. ...

Kremlin has constructed strategically impractical (unable-live) system of «rigid vertical of authority» and has made many mistakes for last three years. This system is loosened from within by struggle of several clans. This system («authority of security officers») can unexpectedly collapse within several months (even weeks) similarly that the authority of communists has collapsed after August, 1991.
Boris

Originally Posted by Jo of Palatine

...IMHO there is noone there who might have a chance. Unfortunately. ...

I think, you are right: there is noone there who might have a chance on Russian throne. Now. But in 5-6 years the situation can change. Unknown now pretenders can declare themselves.
Boris

[HRH Kerry]

Jo of Palatine,
I have never really familiarized myself with Lord Freddie, son of Prince Michael. He seems to be quite a character. I have to agree that he isn't heir apparent material.

Boris,
There seems to be a number of claimants to the throne. Do you think any of these have a chance if this scenario comes to fruition? Which claimant has the most support?

[BorisRom]

Originally Posted by kerry

Boris, There seems to be a number of claimants to the throne. Do you think any of these have a chance if this scenario comes to fruition? Which claimant has the most support?

Kerry
As far as I know, any sociological interrogations about pretenders were not carried out. Votings on radio «Echo of Moscow» determined only preferences of their hearers concerning working foreign leaders.
As far as I know, Russian monarchic organizations have no common opinion. I am not a member of any monarchist party. I'm a writer, historian and prognosist (foreteller ). Many of my forecasts till now came true. I published the forecasts about restoration of a monarchy in Russia for 2012-2014 since 1999. Starting approximately since 2003 in Russian mass-media in increasing frequency there are articles for the benefit of the monarchy.
I think now it is very difficult to define(determine) a circle (some) of the real pretenders. In 1613 dynasty Rurickovichs was replaced by Romanov's by dynasty at will of "Greatest Zemsky cathedral (Duma)" (elected by people; analogue of the constitutional assembly). In 1613 the Romanov's sort (stock) was not a favorite among applicants from the very beginning. It is impossible to exclude that in 2012-2014 a new dynasty will be chosen. Nevertheless, I think, that pretenders from Romanov's or\and Rurickovich's will have good chances.
Besides, two-three persons in Russia name themselves the son of tsarevitch Alexey who has been ostensibly rescued on July, 17, 1918.

The monk foreteller Avel (1757-1841) wrote, that the name of the new monarch will be the third name in a history of Russia. To this prophecy can correspond :

1. Nicholas III;
2. Michael III;
3. Alexey III, - cesarevitch Alexey was lost (whether was lost?) on July, 17, 1918 several minutes after violent death of Nicholas II.
If to consider Rurickovichs also, after prince Oleg and princess Olga:
4. Oleg III

Boris

[HRH Kerry]

Okay, I haven't been up on Russian history and I admit that. Young Alexei's remains were never found, right? But with the modern technology in science today, it is very possible to but some of these claims to rest. The DNA of the deceased Romanov family has already been catalogued so it wouldn't prove too difficult. But then again, that could open up the door for more people to throw their names in the kitty.

[BorisRom]

Kerry,
Yes, you are right.

[BorisRom]

Now, let me to designate some objective certificates of movement of Russia to restoration of a monarchy.
___ 1. Every year of ever less of Russians want the restoration of the USSR and more and more Russians are interested in a history of imperial Russia. According to last polls, only 17 % of Russians want the restoration of the USSR. On the other hand, heads of the largest telechannels speak, that the telecasts and films about Imperial Russia have high growing ratings. N.B.: nostalgia about Imperial Russia is nostalgia about time of board of Nikolay II in 1906-1917 (constitutional monarchy). Starting approximately since 2003 in Russian mass-media in increasing frequency there are articles for the benefit of the monarchy.
However, unfortunately, a relation of Russians to democracy improves slowly. I think, now no more than half of Russians completely support all democratic principles.
___ 2. As "lord rankin" has correctly noted,
“Considering President Putin holds more constitutional power than Tsar Nicholas II did after 1905 , I would think moving to a constitutional monarchy would be incredibly beneficial and contribute to the stabilization of the political climate there. I have read and learned much about the Russian culture in my life and I have to say that Russians seem to gravitate to a central figure of authority and respect. I believe a monarchy would fulfill that need”.
___ I think, president Putin does not wish restoration of a monarchy, but many Russians already perceive him as "tsar". 38 % of Russians are ready to give to him lifelong presidency However, 95 % of Russians would like to see as a president (a tsar?) such person, as the Spanish king Juan CARLOS!
___ 3. The Bishops's cathedral of Russian Orthodox Church several years ago has accepted «A social doctrine ROC» where it is written, that ROC counts a theocracy as the maximum(supreme) form of a state system, and the following form more comprehensible and favorable to the Christians is a monarchy.

Boris

[HRH Kerry]

Maybe Putin would think he has to compete with the monarchy. You did state that his approval rating is 70-73%. After all, monarchies seem to have a positive effect on their people. Maybe the president won't be too happy if his rating takes another beating.

[BorisRom]

Kerry,
Do you mean Putin’s rating as president now 70-73% vs his rating as “lifelong president” 38%?
May be, but I don’t think that it is the main reason of his un-wish to go on third president election.

[HRH Kerry]

No. I just meant his ratings going down even further with a monarchy in place. The monarchy would be more popular with the people than the president.

[magnik]

They doesn't need they has V.P.

[BorisRom]

Originally Posted by magnik

They doesn't need they has V.P.

On the contrary, Magnik :
We have V.P. therefore we need.
Regards
Boris