Chaika [Seagull] cosmetics shop in Penza-19 (USSR, 1970)

Saints&Reading: Thursday, November 3, 2022

november 3_ocotber 21

THE MONK HILARION THE GREAT (371)

Saint Hilarion the Great was born to pagan parents in the year 291 in the Palestinian village of Thabatha near Gaza. As a young man, he was sent to Alexandria for his education. There he became acquainted with Christianity and was baptized. After hearing an account of the angelic life of Saint Anthony the Great (January 17), Hilarion went to meet him, desiring to study with him and learn what is pleasing to God. Hilarion soon returned to his native land to find that his parents had died. After distributing his family’s inheritance to the poor, Saint Hilarion went forth into the desert surrounding the city of Maium.

In the desert the Saint endured violent struggles with impure thoughts, vexations of the mind, and the burning passions of the flesh, but he defeated them through heavy labor, fasting and fervent prayer. The devil sought to frighten him with phantoms and apparitions. While he was praying Saint Hilarion would sometimes hear children crying, women wailing, and the roaring of lions and other wild beasts. He understood that the demons were causing these terrors in order to drive him out of the wilderness. He overcame his fear by resorting to fervent prayer. Once, some thieves fell upon Saint Hilarion, and he persuaded them to forsake their lawless life by the power of his words.

Soon all of Palestine heard about Saint Hilarion and of the miracles he worked. The Lord granted the holy ascetic the power to cast out unclean spirits. With this gift of grace he loosed the bonds of many of those who were afflicted. The sick came for healing, and the Saint cured them without asking for any payment, saying that the grace of God is freely received, and must be freely given (Matthew 10:8).

Such was the grace that he received from God that he could tell by the smell of someone’s body or clothing which passion was afflicting his soul. They came to Saint Hilarion desiring to save their souls under his guidance. With his blessing, monasteries began to spring up throughout Palestine. Going from one monastery to another, he instituted a strict ascetic manner of life.

About seven years before his death (+ 371-372) Saint Hilarion moved back to Cyprus, where the ascetic lived in a solitary place until the Lord summoned him to Himself.

Saint Hilarion is sometimes depicted holding a scroll which reads: "The tools of a monk are steadfastness, humility, and love according to God." In iconography, is depicted as an old man with a brown, rush-like beard divided into three points.

Source: Orthodox Church in America

New Hieromartyr Paulinus bisop of Mogilev. (1937)

Looking at the icon of Hieromartyr Paulinus of Mogilev, we may wonder about the story behind the image inspired by photographs and memories of spiritual children, as well as recollections of those who knew and loved him. St. Paulinus was simple and compassionate. He came out of the peasantry and became an archbishop. His cuff is kept as a great shrine in the Novospassky Monastery where he was once tonsured a monk.

St. Paulinus has returned many schismatics back to the true Church. He held an election of the Patriarch, and always courageously guarded Orthodoxy from sacrilege. His old mother followed her son everywhere. He loved everyone and was loved by adults and children. He fed birds and animals, contemplated the movements of nature, and lived in God's peace praying for his Fatherland and every soul in it.

The Childhood 

St Paulinus was born Peter on December 19, 1879 into the family of Kuzma Kroshechkin, a peasant in the Mokshany district of the Penza province. His father Kuzma died early, leaving the boy in the care of his mother Eudokia. The widow was a young peasant woman living a strict, pious life. She often took her child to church and taught him to pray. Little Petya was brought up in obedience, fear of God and charity. In their house, Eudokia fed beggars and gave shelter to wanderers, whose stories made a deep impression on the child.

Peter learned to read early and fell in love with books. Since childhood, he was friendly, kind and gentle with people. At the same time, he had inner strength. The parish priest, who knew many peasant children and heard their confessions, once told Eudokia that her son was special and that he was likely to face many trials in life. It is not easy for talented people in this world, especially if their talent is holiness.

Penza province

From infancy, Peter Kroshechkin was accustomed to prayer, had sincere faith and never doubted that the Lord heard him. At the age of eight, he once got lost in a snowy winter forest, prayed and was saved by hearing a bell ringing. The boy noticed that help always came through prayers. He felt especially comfortable at the Kazan Convent where he often walked seven miles from home. The nuns became used to Petya and gave him small tasks. He eagerly read books from the Convent library, listened to the stories of the nuns and dreamed of going to Old Athos to spend his life there in fasting and prayer, like the Athonite ascetics. It was in the Kazan Convent that the future Archbishop first felt the ardent desire for monastic service to God.

After successfully graduating from the parish school, Peter Kroshechkin entered the Moksha city school. He had to part with his mother and started renting an apartment. However, a severe illness forced Peter to quit school. For a long time, he remained seriously ill, while his mother looked after him and prayed that her son would survive. Eventually, his health improved. Eudokia thanked God and vowed to go on foot to Kiev, venerate the relics of saints, and visit the Sarov Hermitage, where the great Saint Seraphim once served. Soon Peter was able to join his mother on this pilgrimage.

They visited Kiev, and stopped at many monasteries on their way back. On May 2, right before the Feast of the Venerable Theodosius of the Kiev Caves, they reached the Sarov Hermitage. The tall bell tower, many festively dressed people, the singing of the choir, the golden-domed temples, the ringing of the bells, and the solemn service struck Peter. He did not want to leave that place, and again it became clear that his supreme goal in life was to become a monk.

Praying during the All-Night Vigil, Peter heard the answer to his thoughts. A voice spoke to him, saying, “Here you can save yourself." However, despite Peter's entreaties, Eudokia did not allow her son to stay in the Monastery. They returned home. With his soul and thoughts, Petya was in the Sarov Hermitage. He was not interested in peasant work and life, and he continued to beg his mother to bless him for monastic life. By that time, she had already understood her mistake and realised that the Lord had called Peter. Resigning to God's will, Evdokia let her son go to the...continue reading on St Elizabeth Convent website

LUKE 10:1-15

1 After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. 2 Then He said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. 5 But whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house.' 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9 And heal the sick there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.' 10 But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11 'The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.' 12 But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city. 13 Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades.

COLOSSIAN 2:1-7

1 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. 6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

ⵊɴᴛʀᴏᴅᴜᴄɪɴɢ: ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs

❦-----------IZZY-CAMILLE LAURENT------------❦

19 ʏᴇᴀʀs - ᴏʟᴅ ᴍᴀʀᴄʜ 29ᴛʜ - ᴀʀɪᴇs sʜᴇ/ᴛʜᴇʏ ʙɪsᴇxᴜᴀʟ Lᴏɴᴅᴏɴ, Uɴɪᴛᴇᴅ Kɪɴɢᴅᴏᴍ Jᴏᴜʀɴᴀʟɪsᴍ

❦-------------LEANDER EDWARDS---------------❦ 

22 ʏᴇᴀʀs - ᴏʟᴅ ᴀᴜɢᴜsᴛ 1sᴛ - ʟᴇᴏ ʜᴇ/ʜɪᴍ ʜᴇᴛᴇʀᴏsᴇxᴜᴀʟ Oxford, Uɴɪᴛᴇᴅ Kɪɴɢᴅᴏᴍ CEO

❦-------------MATTHEO ANTONOV---------------❦

20 ʏᴇᴀʀs - ᴏʟᴅ ᴊᴜɴ 25ᴛʜ - ᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀ ʜᴇ/ʜɪᴍ ᴅᴏᴇsɴ'ᴛ ʟᴀʙᴇʟ Penza, Rᴜssɪᴀ ᴀʀᴄʜɪᴛᴇᴄᴜʀᴇ

❦---------DEARIL “SOUP” DUBOIS-----------❦

19 ʏᴇᴀʀs - old ᴊᴀɴᴜᴀʀʏ 22nd - ᴀǫᴜᴀʀɪᴜs ᴛʜᴇʏ/ᴛʜᴇᴍ ʟᴇsʙɪᴀɴ Vᴇʀsᴀɪʟʟᴇs, Fʀᴀɴᴄᴇ Lᴀᴡ

❦--------------MARY SEYMORE----------------❦

20 ʏᴇᴀʀs - ᴏʟᴅ sᴇᴘᴛᴇᴍʙᴇʀ 25ᴛʜ - ʟɪʙʀᴀ sʜᴇ/ʜᴇʀ ᴘᴀɴsᴇxᴜᴀʟ Sʀᴇᴍsᴋᴀ Mɪᴛʀᴏᴠɪᴄᴀ, Sᴇʀʙɪᴀ ᴀᴄᴛɪɴɢ 

❦--FREDERIC “FREDDY” FREDERICS--❦

19 ʏᴇᴀʀs - ᴏʟᴅ Fᴇʙʀᴜᴀʀʏ 29ᴛʜ - ᴘɪsᴄᴇs ʜᴇ/ʜɪᴍ ʜᴇᴛᴇʀᴏsᴇxᴜᴀʟ (ɴᴏᴛ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ) Bᴇʀʟɪɴ, Gᴇʀᴍᴀɴʏ ʙɪᴏʟᴏɢʏ 

❦-------------RACHEL WHITE---------------❦ 

20 ʏᴇᴀʀs - ᴏʟᴅ ᴊᴜɴ 3ʀᴅ - ɢᴇᴍɪɴɪ ᴀɴʏ ᴘʀᴏɴᴏᴜɴs ᴇxᴘʟᴏʀɪɴɢ sᴇxᴜᴀʟɪᴛʏ Fʟᴏʀɪᴅᴀ, USA Mᴜsɪᴄ

❦--------TIMOFEY ANOTONOV----------❦

27 ʏᴇᴀʀs - ᴏʟᴅ ᴀᴘʀɪʟ 8ᴛʜ - ᴀʀɪᴇs ʜᴇ/ᴛʜᴇʏ ǫᴜᴇᴇʀ Pᴇɴᴢᴀ, Rᴜssɪᴀ Mᴀꜰɪᴀ ʟᴇᴀɴᴅᴇʀ, ᴅᴇᴄᴇᴀsᴇᴅ

MBBS In Russia For Indian Students 2023

Are you an Indian student aspiring to pursue a career in medicine? If so, you might have considered studying MBBS In Russia . One popular destination for Indian students seeking quality education at an affordable cost is Russia. Known for its excellent medical universities, Russia offers a conducive environment for students to fulfill their dreams of becoming doctors. In this article, we will explore the benefits and opportunities of pursuing MBBS in Russia for Indian students.

Why Choose Russia for MBBS?

Russia offers several advantages for Indian students planning to pursue MBBS:

Quality Education: Russian medical universities are renowned for their high standards of education and advanced teaching methods. They are globally recognized and provide comprehensive medical training.

Affordable Tuition Fees: Compared to private medical colleges in India or other countries, the cost of studying MBBS in Russia is relatively low. This makes it a cost-effective option for Indian students.

Globally Recognized Degree: The medical degrees obtained from Russian universities are recognized by international medical councils, including the Medical Council of India (MCI). This allows graduates to practice medicine in India after fulfilling the necessary requirements.

Multicultural Environment: Studying in Russia exposes students to a diverse and multicultural environment. They get the opportunity to interact with students from various countries, broadening their perspectives and enhancing their global outlook.

Eligibility Criteria (Study MBBS in Russia)

To pursue MBBS in Russia, Indian students need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

Minimum age of 17 years at the time of admission.

Completion of 10+2 education from a recognized board with a minimum aggregate score of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Qualify in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) conducted by the Government of India.

Document Required (Study MBBS in Russia)

The following documents are to be carried before taking admission to Russia Medical Colleges.

Passport with a minimum validity of 18 months

A copy of your 10th and 12th-grade exam.

Original English Birth Original English Birth Certificate

Photo, 10 ( 4.5 x 3.5 cm)

Russian Medical University’s letter of invitation is required.

Documents that have been approved by the New Delhi-based Ministry of External Affairs.

All documents from the Russian Embassy must be legalized. University receipt plus first-year tuition expenses

Visa charges

HIV test records

Tuition fee receipts

Health insurance documentation

Covid-19 report

To avoid any mistakes in documents   contact us @ +91-9818 560331

Top Medical Universities in Russia

Russia is home to many prestigious medical universities. Some of the top universities for MBBS in Russia include:

Lomonosov Moscow State University   

Novosibirsk National Research State University   

Crimean Federal University  

Ogarev Mordovia State University     

Far Eastern Federal University   

First Moscow State Medical University    

Perm State Medical University    

Penza State Medical University

Cost of Pursuing MBBS in Russia

The average MBBS fee structure of Russian medical universities starts at INR 2.5 lakhs annually. Here is the fee structure of different medical universities in Russia for Indian students looking forward to studying MBBS in Russia.

HARTFORD WOLF PACK VS PROVIDENCE BRUINS & HOCKEY NEWS

By: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - There is a lot of news in professional, college, and junior hockey going on as the Hartford Wolf Pack and Providence Bruins playoffs are in full swing. In a case of bad timing, just as the next round playoffs are set to begin, reports from Swedish media state right winger Lauri Pajuniemi might be on the verge of signing a deal with the Malmö IF Redhawks (Sweden-SHL) for next year. MAXIM BARBASHEV The New York Rangers assigned Maxim Barbashev (65 points in 67 games) to the Wolf Pack just before they left for Providence. They signed Barbashev to an ATO deal, and he will wear uniform #18. He won't play this weekend. Barbashev's QMHL season ended in the quarterfinals of the QMJHL President Cup playoffs in seven games by the Halifax Mooseheads. The final game score was 7-3. Moncton is coached by one-time Ranger Daniel LacrOne-time Ranger Daniel Lacroix coaches the team with Moncton. Barbashev contributed eight points in 12 games in his playoff run. Barbashev is a 2022 fifth-round draft pick (161st overall). He scored the game's first goal on a right-wing shot. He checks in at 6'1, 185 lbs. at just 19, and has another year of junior eligibility. He has two older brothers playing pro hockey. Ivan is with the Vegas Golden Knights, and the oldest 30-year-old Sergei is back in Russia with Dizel Penza (Russia-VHL) after starting the season with HK Tambov (Russia-VHL). A prominent QMJHL scout with another NHL organization had this take on Barbashev. "Looks awkward. Plays a heavy game. Can make mistakes and be inconsistent, but has an edge and physicality. Loves going to the net." NOTES: Matt Robertson will not play in games 1 or 2 of the second round of the playoffs against Providence, according to Knoblauch, he Wolf Pack, according to Knoblauch. Jarrod Gourley, who played defense for UCONN in 2021, was sent from the Utica Comets to the Adirondack Thunder (ECHL). It didn't take for Springfield Thunderbird, Martin Frk, to find new digs. Two days after the Wolf Pack eliminated the Thunderbirds, he became one of four AHL'ers to sign to play in Europe next season. Frk inked a deal with SC Bern (Switzerland-LNA). Providence gained Brandon Bussi but lost Oscar Steen to the big club. Expect them to receive help for Game 3 against the Pack on Wednesday after the Bruins were eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs by the Florida Panthers in Game 7 Sunday night. LOTS OF ACTIVITY IN CALGARY The Calgary Wranglers opened the playoffs with a 3-2 overtime victory as Jacob Pelletier scored halfway thru the overtime. Former UCONN forward Marc Gatcomb scored a beautiful rebound goal to put the Abbotsford Canucks on the scoreboard. The game was attended by 5,654 and came on the heels of the announcement of a new building coming to replace the 40-year-old, 19,000-seat Scotiabank Saddledome. The deal was reached between the owners of the Calgary Flames, CSEC  (Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation), and the city. The new building will be built in the east end of Calgary in the Rivers District. The announcement was made in Victoria Pak on the site of the proposed arena. It will become the fifth brand-new state-of-the-art arena in the AHL. The building will house four hockey teams that call Calgary home. They include the NHL Flames, AHL Wranglers, the junior-level (WHL) Hitmen, and the NLL Roughnecks, The City Council approved a $800K new arena and a $1.2B project overall. Although this was a significant hurdle, the final step will outliAlthough, the expected timeline of the new Events Center and its specs. The Saddledome was built in 1983. It is the second oldest building in the NHL behind MSG, renovated in 2013, replacing the Calgary Corral that housed the Flames, WHA Calgary Cowboys, and the WHL Wranglers (who moved to Lethbridge) in the mid-'70s. HARTFORD WOLF PACK HOME Read the full article

Anonymous. Snowman on a Soviet scale. Zarechny (Penza-19). Late 1960s.

: Sunday 2 February 1840

8 ¼

2 ½

her cousin came this morning – A- came to me and lay on my bed twenty five minutes breakfast about 9 ¾ - at church a minute or 2 after 11 just service had begun (reading the Lords’ prayer) Mr. Camidge preached I suppose ½ hour+ (but as last Sunday forgot to look at my watch) from Micah vii. 18, 19 and 20 home for ¼ hour had Mrs. Howard – the Russian girl wishing her to ask if we intended to take her afterwards or not – said we should give the answer to the dame supérieure – Mrs. H- to to try to find out the girls’ feeling on the subject – she had been crying terribly – whether this was from sorrow mortification, or what sort of feeling – A- and I out at 1 10/.. – to princess Tcherkaski – she was dressing but would receive us – we waited 5 or 6 minutes and staid about 20 – she very civil – hoped we should meet again at St. P- or somewhere repeating her former phrase “comme des bonnes connaissances” sorry as before she had not made our acquaintance earlier – then to old countess Panin – left cards – her daughter, countess Wera, very ill of inflammation – received by countess A.P- and sat perhaps 10 minutes or ¼ hour – she gave us her own address here and in the country in Russian the courier would direct our letters if we could not do it in Russ[ia] – and gave me princess Oroussoffs’ address – then to the Ocouloffs’ – very kind and civil – pressed us to stay dinner – they had been here this morning and left cards and

their address in town and country the latter on the road from here to Tula (not from here to St. P-) saw Mr. O-‘s cabinet d’etude – a few some good pictures – nice comfortable study and sitting and sofa-sleeping room – shewed his full dress  coat as chambellan covered with 1500/. worth of gold lace – the coat complete costs 2300/. – that of the 2 grand chambellans costs 2800/. his petit unifrome costs 500/. – Madame O- said if A- and I were presented our dress would have a train and be à la Russe – 300/. – needed not cost more – then saw carpets made at the fabrique established by Madame O-‘s sister (Madame Statkovksy) at her Campagne near Saratof [Saratov] – on the Penza road, and not far from there – an archine (or more?) wide stairs carpet 5/. per archine – a large carpet 13 archines square she would ceder à l’instant même for 3000/. but not for less – Madame O- had said 2000/.  all this carpeting done by hand – by 20 jeunes filles – by bobbins she said – How is that? see into it at Saratof [Saratov] – our coachman nobody knew where – George said he was always to wait for – Madame O-‘s coachman had just mounted the box and driven us to the gate when our man came – gave Madame O-‘s man a 25 silver kop. piece – then left cards chez les Fischer and home at 3 ½ or (if my silver watch is 2 ½ hours too late) at 3 40/.. – A- told me monsieur was come  a little last night   enough this morning said that we should not get off till Tuesday about 10 a.m. instead of as we told everybody just after midnight tomorrow – had just written so far now at 4 ¼ - then inking over the notes princess dictated and writing to Hawkins wrote not to Mrs. Hawkins about the pots of ointment for Madame Apraxin – partly dressed – dinner at 6 – finished my toilette – A- and I out at 7 ½ - meant to have gone by the Porte rouge to leave my note dated today but written yesterday (vid. other end of the book) to ask Mr. Alexander Richter to come between 9 and 10 tomorrow – but too late – gave the note to George to be left as we returned or as it turned out to go very early (before 8) tomorrow morning – 5 or 6 minutes at Mr. Fischers’, a long table of persons playing a round gave Mrs. F- got up, and came with us into her salon – Mr. F- came – well we had gone, tho’ poisoned with tobacco, and princess O- smelt us, and questioned us about it on our going in – there at 7 50/.. – sometime before princess R- came – she was writing – very good, tho’ said she had been calculating her marche route, and was stupid – dictated note of thanks for the courier to be written on our return – How good she is! we staid till 10 – she asked us to go tomorrow evening – for she does not set off till 11 a.m. on Tuesday – best to take leave tonight – travelling would be insupportable if one had after the

SH:7/ML/E/23/0195

pain of parting like this – she said at last – one should always part gaily; for it was a better augure of meeting again – I told her I was glad of having seen Boulgakoff I knew now to whom we were indebted for our courier – B- would go à 4 pattes pour elle – she said she did not know this I said she could oblige him in some way or other – she did not know this – no one said I knows it better than you do – it was not for princess Olga but for you that he gave the courier – she (princess R-) has behaved beautifully – she has helped us without letting us find it out – nor should I have dreamed the truth about the courier had I not seen B- chez elle – his manner not hers, told the truth – she has more heart – more high mindedness –more deep delicacy of feeling than a man like him can [comprehend] – she has always reminded me of poor Sibbella – I cannot describe even to myself my feeling of sadness on parting with her – It would be terrible if such feelings could recur often – home at 10 ¼ - tea till 11 – wrote the last 29 lines till now 11 ½ p.m. fine day – then till 1 ¼ calculating tables for princess R- of her 4 horses per station from here to St. P- this and writin[g] the short explanation etc. took me till after two –

Huge snowman built in Penza-19 (Zarechny) in 1966. #christmas #snowman #projectourworld

Anonymous. Snowman on a Soviet scale. Zarechny (Penza-19). Late 1960s.

"Small black eyes,

if you look,

let houses and cities fall down.[...]"

Giovanni Meli, The eyes [According to the tradition, Meli is referring to Lucia Migliaccio's beautiful black eyes].

Donna Lucia Maria was born in Siracusa on January 18th 1770. She was the daughter of Don Vincenzo Migliaccio e Bonanno, of the Princes of Baucina and 8th Duke of Floridia and San Donato, and Spanish descendant Dorotea Borgia e Rau, of the Marquises of Casale. At 6, following her father's death, and as her parents' only living child (her brother Ignazio had already died at just 5 years old), she inherited the Duchy of Floridia. 

On April 19th 1781, only 11 years old, the little Duchess married in Palermo the 25 years old Benedetto Maria Grifeo del Bosco (he was born on November 17th 1755), Duke of Ciminna and firstborn of Gerolamo Maria 7th Prince of Partanna. The Grifeo was an incredibly old and noble Sicilian family whose ancestors received their titular fief during the rulership of the Great Count Ruggero, in 1091, and the baronage in 1139, during the reign of his son, King Ruggero II of Sicily. In 1802 the Prince Gerolamo Maria died, and Benedetto became the 8th Prince of Partanna, making Lucia the Princess consort.

Benedetto also inherited the role of Deputy of the Kingdom, and on November 4th of the same year, he was awarded by King Ferdinando IV of Naples and III of Sicily with the knighthood of the Insigne Real Ordine di San Gennaro. The Prince of Partanna also served as Gentleman of the Bedchamber and State Councillor, giving his wife the chance to frequent Palermo high society and even the Royal court during King Ferdinando's long periods spent in Sicily. Lucia was praised for her intelligence, artistic skills and beauty (in particular her black eyes). 

The Princess bore her husband nine children, five of whom survived infancy: Vincenzo (future 9th Prince of Partanna), Giuseppe, Leopoldo, Luigi. Marianna, the only daughter, is considered by some people the illegitimate daughter of King Ferdinando, since she was born in 1808, when Lucia was already the sovereign's lover, and given the deep affection Ferdinando always exhibited for Marianna. 

Since 1806, the King and his court, had been forced to move to Palermo to escape the French army which had invaded the peninsular part of the Bourbonic kingdom and would establish the Kingdom of Naples under the rulership of Napoleon's brother-in-law, Joachim Murat.

In the meantime, Lucia's beauty (not ruined in the least by the numerous pregnancies) gave soon rise to a lot of gossip, and her name was linked to other gentlemen's ones, like the Neapolitan Lucio Caracciolo, Duke of Roccoromana, renowned womanizer. The existence of a relationship between the two is (according to some) supported by the fact that, once married to the King, she asked her husband to pardon the Duke, as Caracciolo had been loyal to Murat and even took part to the Russian Campaign. Despite his traitorous track records, in fact, the Duke retained until the end his favoured position at the Bourbonic royal court. 

On January 16th 1812, King Ferdinando, who since 1806 had been able to count on the help of the British army and, thanks to them, retain control of Sicily, was nonetheless forced by his protector Lord Bentinck to hand over his powers (on the basis of a fictitious illness) in favour of his son Francesco, who was appointed Regent of the Kingdom. The same year, on March 28th, Don Benedetto Grifeo died at 56, leaving Lucia free to pursue her relationship with Ferdinando with fewer restrictions especially since the King's rightful wife, Maria Carolina, having lost any political influence and accused to have plotted against the British allies  was forced to leave Sicily to never return.

On July 1814 Ferdinando pronounced himself recovered and took back control of the government. As he intended to keep the peace in the Sicilian territory, he declared he would maintain (at least officially) the Sicilian Constitution which had been promulgated in 1812, under the regency of his son. Two months later, on September 8th, Maria Carolina would be found dead in her chamber in Hetzendorf castle, in Vienna. 

Now free, Ferdinando asked Lucia to marry him, and she was too happy to accept. The couple married in Palermo's Palatine Chapel, in a secret ceremony officiated by Friar Salvatore Maria Caccamo, the King's confessor and chaplain, and with Vincenzo and Carlo De Falco as only witnesses, on November 27th, barely 80 days after Maria Carolina's death. Lucia was 44, while her husband was 63. 

Ferdinando's son and heir, Francesco had tried to dissuade his father on the ground of the many rumours going around Lucia's marital fidelity, to which the old King supposedly retorted: "Penza ‘a mammeta, guagliò, penza ’a mammeta!" ("Think about your mom, kid, think about your mom!"), alluding to the deceased Queen's affairs. The only thing that cheered Francesco was that, as a morganatic union, no child born from that marriage could make any claim on the Throne. 

As soon as people got wind of the secret wedding ceremony, the couple was critiqued as their marriage (which moreover had happened too soon) was seen as an attempt made by two cheaters who, now both widowed, had tried to patch things up.

Unlike her illustrious and strong willed predecessor, Lucia proved to be discreet, moderate and accommodating, staying away from political affairs and intrigues. Ferdinando was particularly satisfied with his new wife, bragging that he had now a wife that let him do whatever he wanted, and a Minister that gave him little to do. 

Even though Napoleon had already been (apparently) defeated in Leipzig and sent to exile on the island of Elba, Murat was still ruling in the Neapolitan territory, making for Ferdinando impossible to return, even with the British support. It would be only one year later, that the former Emperor's brother-in-law would be defeated in the battle of Tolentino, at the beginning of May. Thanks to  the agreements made during the Congress of Vienna, and especially since the Treaty of Casalanza signed on May 20th 1814, Ferdinando was given back almost his whole former territories. In this same occasion, although, he lost Malta (which had been part of the Kingdom of Sicily since XIth century) which became a British protectorate, and the Stato of the Presidi (which included the Island of Elba), donated to the Gran Duchy of Tuscany. 

In 1815 Ferdinando returned to Naples with Lucia by his side, while his son Francesco was left in Sicily to act as Lieutenant of the Kingdom. In Naples Lucia was warmly welcomed and was showed the due respect as a real Queen. Moreover, her beauty also helped attracting many artists' attention.

That same year Lucia received from her husband a special gift. The King in fact bought for his wife the vaste estate located in the Vomero quarter in Naples, which once had belonged to the Prince Giuseppe Caracciolo of Torella. As a tribute of Lucia's title of Duchess of Floridia, the manor was renamed la Floridiana, while the park annexed was called Parco Grifeo (deriving from another of her titles). The property was enriched in 1817 with the purchase of other surroundings plots, while between 1817-19 architect Antonio Niccolini cured the reconstruction in Neoclassical style of the pre-existing villa and the re-configuration of the park as an English landscape garden. Friedrich Dehnhardt, the then Director of the Botanical Garden of Naples, oversaw the bedding of more than 150 species of plants, which went to enrich the already beautiful park. By 1819, the estate comprehended two villas (Villa Floridia – later Floridiana - and Villa Lucia), a bridge which connected the two habitations, an open-air theatre called "della Verzura", a Neoclassical circular temple, fake ruins, fountains, statues and greenhouses. La Floridiana was to be Lucia and Ferdinando's haven of tranquillity for the next few years. 

On December 8th 1816 Naples and Sicily were merged into a single state, which was named Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (with Naples as its Capital, much to Palermo and the Sicilian in general's chagrin), and Ferdinando became the first sovereign of the now unified reign, and would be known as Ferdinando I of the Two Sicilies. The heir Francesco resumed his role as Regent and Lucia as Royal spouse.

In his last years, Ferdinando had to deal with revolutionary movements in both Sicily and Naples. He was forced to sign the Constitution and once more to entrust the executive powers to Francesco. It was only in 1821, with the help of the Austrian army which occupied Naples (the revolution in Sicily had already been stopped), the King managed to restore the Bourbonic absolute monarchy and the Constitution was withdrawn. Ferdinando died four years later, on January 4th 1825, after 57 years of reign. He was 73, and his marriage with Lucia had lasted 11 years. Lucia spent her remaining time in her Floridiana. She died one year and three months later, on April 26th 1826. She was buried in the Church of San Ferdinando, in Naples, separated from her husband, who lies in the Church of Santa Chiara, burial place of the Bourbonic Kings of Naples. 

 Her son Vincenzo inherited his mother's titles and fiefs, while La Floridiana was divided in 1827 by the deceased Duchess' children into three distinct parts. Villa Lucia was firstly owned by her son Luigi Grifeo, Minister to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, and then passed from hand to hand. The villa is currently a private residence whose property is divided into three wealth Neapolitan families. Villa Floridiana and the park, on the other hand, underwent many alterations at the hands of the heirs, until in 1919 they were sold to the Italian State and became the Museum of Ceramic.

Huge snowman built in Penza-19 (Zarechny) in 1966.

Hi! Do you know any books in pdf about slavic folk costumes (both Eastern, Western and South)? I am a huge fan of your blog, btw ❤️💜

Hi! Well not all of these are pdfs, but here are some:

South Slavic:

Serbian Ethnic Dress in the XIXth and XXth century: part one and two on Google Books (only partly available)

The Bulgarian two-apron dress (in Bulgarian)

The dress in the Sliven area 19-20th c. (in Bulgarian)

Traditional Bulgarian Costumes and Folk Arts

History of the Bulgarian costume (in Bulgarian with resumes in other languages)

The Dress of Ovce pole (in Macedonian)

Croatian Folk Costumes of Baranya - Sokac People of Drava Region

Croatian Folk Costumes of Baranya - Bosnian-Croats

Traditional Croatian Hairstyles pt. 1

East Slavic:

Northern Russian folk costume

Russian costume from the Penza district end of XIX - beginning of XX c.

Russian costume XVIIIth c. - first quarter of the XX c.

Folk costume of Ryazan district

Russian folk costume

Folk costumes of the peoples of the USSR

Folk costume of the Voronezh district (wtith illustrations)

Folk costume of the Voronezh district (with photos)

Sorry they’re so limited - I haven’t really collected them, these are just some I could remember/find easily. I can’t think of any books on West Slavs atm, but check out @polishcostumes and @lamus-dworski they must surely have something.

Other than that I recommend Kultura Ludowa Slowian (Slavic folk culture). Vol. I is on material culture, if you google the name + pdf you’ll find plenty of download links, but the book is in Polish so idk if that’ll be a problem for you.

Letter of Abdication of Tsar Nicholas ll of Russia

Manifesto of Abdication

Tsar Nicholas ll of Russia's diary entries before and after his abdication.

12 March 1917 Monday

Disorders started several days ago in Petrograd; unfortunately, even the troops have begun to take part in them. It is a sickening feeling to be so far away and to receive fragmentary, bad news. I did not spend much time listening to reports. During the day I took a walk along the highway towards Orsha. The weather was sunny. After dinner I decided to go quickly to Tsarskoe Selo, and at 1 o'clock in the morning (13 March 13) boarded the train.

13 March 1917 Tuesday

I went to bed at 3:15 as I had a long talk with N. I Ivanov, whom I am despatching to Petrograd with troops to restore order. We left Mogilev at five in the morning. I slept till 10 o'clock. The weather was cold and sunny. During the day we passed through Viazma, Rzhev, and Likhoslavl at 9 o'clock. March 14, Wednesday

During the night we turned back from Malaia Vishera, as Liuban and Tosno seenied to be occupied by the rebels. We went to Valdai, Dno, and Pskov, where I stopped for the day. Saw Ruzski. He, with Danilov and Savich, dined. Gatchina and Luga, too, reported to be in possession [of the rebels]. Shame and disgrace. Failed to reach Tsarskoe, but my thoughts and feelings are always there. How hard it must be for poor Alix to go through all these events alone. Lord help us.

📌 N.Ivanov ~ General Ivanov

📌 Ruzski ~ General Nikolai V. Ruzski, Commander of the Northern Army

15 March 1917 Thursday

In the morning Ruzski came and read his very long direct-wire talk with Rodzianko. According to this, the situation in Petrograd is such that a Ministry of the Duma would now be powerless to do anything, for it has to contend with the Social-Democratic Party, represented by the workers' committee. My abdication is required. Ruzski transmitted this talk to Headquarters, and Alexeev sent it on to all the commanders-in-chief. By 2 o'clock replies were received from them. The gist of them is that in order to save Russia and keep the army at the front quiet, such a step must be taken. I have agreed. From Headquarters has been sent a draft of a manifesto. In the evening Guchkov and Shulgin arrived from Petrograd, with whom I discussed the matter, and I handed them the signed and altered manifesto. At 1 o'clock in the morning [16th] I left Pskov, with a heavy heart because of the things gone through. All around me there is treachery, cowardice, and deceit.

📌 Ruzski ~ General Nikolai V. Ruzski

16 March 1917 Friday

I slept long and well. Awoke far beyond Dvinsk. The day was sunny and cold. Talked with those near me about yesterday. Read a great deal about Julius Caesar. Arrived at 8:20 at Mogilev. All ranks of the Staff were on the platform. Received Alexeev in the car. At 9:30 I went over to the house. Alexeev came with the latest news from Rodzianko. It transpires that Misha has abdicated. His manifesto ends with a four-tail formula (Universal, direct, equal, and secret suffrage. There was no definite time set for the Constituent Assembly) for the election of a constituent assembly within 6 months. God knows who put it into his head to sign such stuff. In Petrograd, the disturbances have ceased-if it would only remain that way.

17 March 1917 Saturday

Slept well. At 10 o'clock came the good Aleck. Then I went to listen to the reports. At 12 I drove to the platform, to meet dear Mother, who has arrived from Kiev. I took her to my own place and lunched with her and our own family. We sat and talked a long time. Today, at last, I received two telegrarns from dear Alix. I took a walk. The weather was very bad-cold, with a snowstorm. After tea I received Alexeev and Fredericks. Toward 8 o'clock I drove to dine with Mother and remained with her till 11.

📌 Aleck ~ Prince A.P. Oldenburg

18 March 1917 Sunday

It blew hard during the night. The day was clear and frosty. At 10 I drove to mass. Mother arrived later. She lunched with me and stayed until 3:15. I walked about the little garden. After tea I received N. I. Ivanov, who has returned from his mission. He was at Tsarskoe Selo and saw Alix. I took leave of poor Count Fredericks and Voeikov, whose presence, for some reason, has been irritating everybody. They have gone to his estate in Penza province. At 8 o'clock I went to dine with Mother.

19 March 1917 Monday

Last day at Mogilev. At 10:15 I signed the farewell order to the armies. At 10: 30 I went into the guard-house to say good-bye to all ranks of the Staff and bureau. At my own house I bade farewell to the officers and Cossacks, of my guard, cavalry and infantry. It nearly broke my heart. At 12 o'clock I went to Mother's and lunched with her and her suite. At 4:30 1 left her, Sandro, Sergei, Boris and Aleck. Poor Nilov was not permitted to go with me. At 4:45 I left Mogilev; a crowd that was greatly moved came to see me off. Four members of the Duma accompanied me. Went by way of Orsha and Vitebsk. The weather is cold and windy. It is hard, painful, and sad.

📌 Sandro, Sergei, Boris ~ Grand Dukes Alexander and Sergei Mikhailovich, and Grand Duke Boris Vladimirovich

22 March 1917 Thursday

Arrived quickly and safely at Tsarskoe Selo at 11:30. But, God, what a difference! On the street, around the palace, inside the park, wherever you turn there are sentries. Went upstairs and saw dear Alix and the precious children. She looked cheerful and well. The children were lying in a darkened room, but were in good spirits except Maria, who recently came down with the measles. We lunched and dined in the playroorn with Alexei. I saw good Benckendorff. Walked with Valia Dolg

... and worked with him in the little garden, as we cannot go beyond... After tea I played a game of Solitaire. In the evening we visited all the occupants of the other wing and found them in their places.

📌 Valia Dolg ~ Prince Vasily Alexandrovich Dolgorukov

Ira

JOURNALISTE / ÉCRIVAINE

“La féminité c’est la confiance. En soi, dans les autres, dans le monde, dans la vie. C’est le regard grand ouvert et le sourire bienveillant. C’est un geste d’amour, la tendresse pour un homme. C’est la compréhension.

C’est une forme d’harmonie intérieure, une aura lumineuse... L’élégance naturelle.

C’est quelque chose qui ne s’achète pas et ne se fabrique pas.“

A Penza en Russie, sa ville natale, Ira de Puiff déjà toute petite se passionne pour les histoires. Elle confectionne ses premiers livres de poèmes illustrés par ses dessins. Trop rebelle pour suivre un cursus classique de peintre, elle décide de quitter l’Académie des Beaux-Arts et fait des études linguistiques en français, anglais et allemand.

Par la suite, elle devient professeur de français à l’Université de Penza. Attirée par la culture française, elle devient guide touristique en 1997 et réalise son rêve : s’installer à Paris. Peu de temps après, elle commence à écrire ses premiers articles pour la presse russe : d’abord sur des sujets de société puis en tant que journaliste de mode pour plusieurs magazines.

En 2011, elle fait un master en communication et journalisme et élargit ses compétences en se lançant dans l’accompagnement de projets de mode. Ses spécialités sont : la stratégie de lancement, le storytelling et la communication presse.

Ira est également auteure de deux romans. Le premier, intitulé « L’ange-putain » est sorti en 2000 à Moscou. Il est inspiré par la poésie de Jim Morrison. Le deuxième, « Back in URSS, mémoires d’une jeune femme russe » est paru en 2011 à Paris. Son dernier livre, «CoWeed - 19» qui raconte une histoire en temps de Covid est déjà disponible.

Le rêve d’Ira est de faire en sorte que les gens soient heureux. Son plus grand bonheur est le bonheur des autres.

2020-21 Union College Dutchmen Roster

Wingers

#8 Chaz Smedsrud (Luverne, Minnesota)

#9 Gleb Murtazin (Penza, Russia)

#13 Tyler Watkins (Hermantown, Minnesota)

#14 Drew Blackmun (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

#16 Christian Sanda (Vadnais Heights, Minnesota)

#19 Liam Robertson (Clarington, Ontario)

#23 Trevor Adams (Muskegon, Michigan)

#25 Owen Farris (Vancouver, British Columbia)

#27 Josh Kosack (Oakville, Ontario)

#29 Sean Harrison (Anchorage, Alaska)

#63 Bram Scheerer (Edina, Minnesota)

Centers

#11 Gabriel Seger (Uppsala, Sweden)

#15 Jack Adams (Boxford, Massachusetts)

#17 Matt Allen (Smithfield, Rhode Island) A

#18 Ville Immonen (Vaasa, Finland) A

#24 Alex Cohen (Newton, Massachusetts)

Defensemen

#2 Taylor Brierley (East Grand Forks, Minnesota)

#4 Joseph Campolieto (Archbald, Pennsylvania)

#5 Nic Petruolo (Hillsborough Township, New Jersey)

#7 Brandon Estes (Richardson, Texas)

#10 Ryan Sidorski (Williamsville, New York)

#12 Fletcher Fineman (Coconut Creek, Florida)

#20 Ben Pirko (Bethesda, Maryland)

#21 Michael Ryan (Marion, Massachusetts)

#26 Nathan Kelly (South Delta, British Columbia)

#28 Dylan Anhorn (Calgary, Alberta)

Goalies

#1 Garrett Nieto (Yorba Linda, California)

#33 Merek Pipes (Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia)

#34 Darion Hanson (East Bethel, Minnesota) C

#43 Josh Graziano (Buffalo, New York)

Senate Impeachment Trial  Asteroids: January 16th 2020

Jan16 Legia  0  Aries  6 opposition  Jan16  King  0  Libra  27

                                                        Jan16  Jan16 Whitehouse  29  Virgo  47

<Legia is read. The King cannot read.>

<A documentary was filming politicians reading the Constitution. Trump couldn’t do it. He complained it was like a foreign language. He screamed at his staff, that they were being too loud and keeping him from succeeding.>

Trump Russia  12 Aries  41 conjunct  Jan16  Karma  10  Aries  34

                                          opposition  Jan16  Gaolu 12  Libra  55

                                          inconjunct  Jan16  Rudolf 11  Virgo  19  Rx

                                                             Jan16 Donald duck  12  Scorpio  39

                                                             Jan16 Parler  13  Scorpio  10

                                                             Jan16 Old Joe  13  Scorpio  54

                                                             Jan16 Paech   11  Scorpio  15

                                                             Jan16 Penza  10  Scorpio  40

                                                          Jan16 Humptydumpty  10  Scorpio  49                                               

                                           trine  Jan16  Constable 13  Sagittarius  47

                                           sextile  Jan16  Celle   11 Aquarius  6

We have a Yod, a finger of God aspect. Yods are a sextile (60 degrees) with both ends of the sextile inconjunct  (150 degrees) a 3rd point. Trump Russia is inconjunct name asteroids for Giuliani, Trump, Parler for Speaker, Joe for Biden, Paech for Impeach, Pence, and falling off the wall (wind has been blowing Trump’s wall over). Jail is the release point for this Yod.

USA Constable  13 Taurus  2  conjunct  Jan16  Guardi  10 Taurus  51

                                                               Jan16 Donald duck  12  Scorpio  39

                                                                Jan16 Paech   11  Scorpio  15

Trump Humptydumpty 23 Scorpio 58 conjunct Trump Vladimir 23 Scorpio  9

USA prog Humptydumpty  21 Taurus 58 conjunct USA prog Orangia  22 Taurus 00

<Trump’s wall is blowing down.>

USA prog Epstein 29 Cancer 8 opposition  USA prog Pluto 29 Capricorn 26

Jan10 Lunar Eclipse 20 Cancer 0 conjunct USA Maxwell 20 Cancer  15

                                                opposition  USA  prog Moon  19 Capricorn  9

                                                             USA prog Vladimir  19  Capricorn 29

Jan16 Mueller  4  Virgo  37  Rx conjunct  Trump  Hooveria    1 Virgo 20

                                                                  Trump Charybdis   3 Virgo 7

                                                opposition Jan16  Buysballot  2  Pisces  49

<Mueller and the FBI are still looking at Trump.><Election tampering.>

Trump Mars  28  Leo  47 opposition  Trump Paech  27  Aquarius  32

<Trump’s actions oppose impeachment.><That’s literally one of the articles of Impeachment, Obstruction of Congress.>

Jan16 Banno  18  Pisces  11  conjunct  Jan16  Mason-Dixon  18  Pisces  19

<I use Mason-Dixon as an indicator of racism. The other is Bannon.>

Jan16 Kimjeongil 16 Virgo  20  Rx inconjunct Jan16 Pax  15  Aquarius  24

<North Korea is problematic toward peace.>

USA Whitehouse  18  Virgo  56  inconjunct  Jan16  Epstein  18  Aquarius 55

<Information about Epstein is a problem for the Whitehouse.>

Jan16 Truth  18  Capricorn 20 opposition  USA Lie  17  Cancer  59

<The truth coming out now is opposing the White House lies.>

Jan16 Pluto  22  Capricorn  54 conjunct Jan16  Saturn  23  Capricorn  15

                                                 opposing Trump Karma  23 Cancer 29

                                                                 Trump SATURN   23 Cancer 48

                                                 square  Interposita 23  Libra  3

<When the Republicans vote in favor of Trump, something else will happen to question his fitness.><Interposita is an intermediary.>

Jan16 Rhadamanthus  2  Scorpio  31 conjunct Jan16  Israel  2  Scorpio  32

<Rhadamanthus is a justice asteroid. Netanyahu has lost 3 elections.>

Jan16 Justus 9  Aries  33 conjunct  Jan16  Karma  10  Aries  34

                                      opposing Trump  Buysballot 10 Libra 35

Jan16 Jura 20 Sagittarius 20 conjunct Jan16 United Nations 20 Sagittarius 46

                                                           Jan16 Ivanka  20  Sagittarius  56

<Jura is the Law, Ivanka will looked at with something international.>

Jan16 Salvo  1  Aquarius  9 conjunct  Jan16  Gunn  1  Aquarius  56

                                                           Jan16 MORON  2  Aquarius  23

Jan16 Gunnie  14  Cancer  27  Rx  conjunct  Jan16  TD10  15 Cancer  13  Rx

                                                          Jan16 Washingtonia  16  Cancer  17  Rx

Jan16 Pandora  14  Gemini  23  Rx

Jan16 Geiger  15  Gemini  53  Rx

Jan16 TL66   17  Gemini  31  Rx

Jan16 Perry  18  Gemini  51  Rx

<Perry I the head of the Department of Energy. The rest of these are not good; a box of trouble, a device that measures radiation, a disaster asteroid.>

Jan16 Interposita   23  Libra  3 conjunct  Trump  King  24 Libra  4

                                                                 Trump d'Arrest  24 Libra 22 Rx

                                                                 Trump TRIUMF   24 Libra 44 Rx

<Interposita means intermediary.>

Jan16 Intel  24  Scorpio  2 conjunct  Jan16  Ukraina  25  Scorpio  24

                                                          Trump  Old Joe  25  Scorpio  10

<Old Joe is Biden.>

<This describes what the entire impeachment was about.>