Whether we like it or not, but Rasputin still one of the most recognizable Russian historical figures. Abroad - certainly. Long before Boney M's hit "Rasputin" appeared Ilya Ilf wrote that in the West, when caricaturing unpleasant Russians, they give them the generic name “Princess Grishka.” A sinister, insidious, mysterious type, with a clear hint of lust and perversion.

This exactly matches the classical definition Vladimir Lenin: “The cynicism and debauchery of the royal gang with the monstrous Rasputin at its head.”

Now quoting these words of Lenin in some circles is dangerous. They say it’s Bolshevik slander, since he himself Tsar Nicholas II and his wife Alexandra Rasputin was considered almost a saint. However, there is one catch. Sister of the last empress, Grand Duchess Elizaveta Feodorovna, recognized as a saint eight years earlier than the other Romanovs, spoke worse about Grigory Rasputin than the leader of the world proletariat: “Rasputin is a servant of Satan.” The opinion of Nicholas II is more consistent with formal historical truth.

Career of a holy fool

“Had visions and took upon himself a pilgrimage. He prophesied about troubles, fires and lack of rain. Sometimes he said such things that he was beaten. I ate the meat during Lent. Caught fornicating with a maid, he declared: “I am not being mischievous, but I am tempting.” He corrupted more than twenty souls of the female sex. I collected ten altyns of money a day, or even more...” Is this all about our hero?

Actually, no. The above quote is from a collection of accusations of the Holy Synod of the mid-18th century brought against Russian holy fools. And at the same time, a specific person named Grigory Rasputin was repeatedly noticed in each of the listed arts.

You can trace his life path point by point. Here are the visions: “One day I was plowing and suddenly I felt that the light that was always present in him was growing. Before him was a vision - the image of the Kazan Mother of God" - these are memories Rasputin's daughter Matryona. Here’s about the “female gender”: “I’ll tell everyone that Grishka doesn’t know how to do anything, but only knows how to hold Dunka the servant by the soft parts!” This is already his father Efim. Here is the pilgrimage: “He goes to the most remote monasteries on foot and barefoot, eats sparingly, exhausting himself in every possible way. Wears chains, hangs out with holy fools, blessed ones, listens to their conversations, delves into the taste of spiritual exploits.”

It seems that Grigory Efimovich consciously and cold-bloodedly pursued a career as a holy fool. Ever since Ivan the Terrible this was the easiest way to achieve authority among others. Especially if “you don’t know how to do anything”, and also “sick and frail” - this is how young Rasputin is described.

This path is dangerous. Once upon a time, a holy fool could actually be recognized as a saint and canonized. But this practice was stopped in the 18th century. Later, the newly-minted blessed one could be arrested and even executed. At the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. in the field of eradicating foolishness, sectarianism and heresy was especially rampant Chief Prosecutor of the Holy Synod Konstantin Pobedonostsev. True, by 1904 his authority in the eyes of the tsar had fallen greatly, and a scandalous resignation soon followed. And, this must happen, it was then that Rasputin settled in St. Petersburg. There was no one to stop him. His “prophetic” activity unfolds in full.

War and prophecies

With the prophecies of Elder Gregory, the situation is somewhat more diverse. His admirers love to remember how, in an illiterate letter, he dissuaded the emperor from the war, which we know as the First World War: “Dear friend, I will say that there is a threatening cloud in Russia, trouble, grief, much darkness and no light, but blood? I know everyone wants war from you. Scattered in the blood, great destruction, endless sadness.”

Agree, it's impressive. Here's another case. Rasputin was asked about the fate of the Russian fleet, which Admiral Rozhdestvensky led halfway around the world to the shame and humiliation of Tsushima: “Will the meeting with the Japanese be successful?” In response, the elder said with an important look: “I feel in my heart that he will drown.” And... hit the sky with a finger. Rozhdestvensky was wounded, but did not drown, but died in St. Petersburg from lung disease. The Russian fleet did not sink either - the Japanese captured most of the ships that served them until 1945.

The prophecies and “wise decisions of the old man” were particularly evident during the war. A real chance to change the course of the First World War was negated by one letter to the emperor: “Darling, our Friend is beside himself because Brusilov did not obey your order to suspend the offensive. You must insist on this - you are the head.”

The episode associated with the death of the elder speaks about what Rasputin was for the last emperor. Here's the evidence General Yuri Danilov, Chief of Staff of the Northern Front: “It so happened that the news of the murder of Rasputin came to headquarters on the day appointed for the meeting on the plan of military operations for 1917. Despite the exceptional importance of the meeting, the sovereign left the army, headquarters, headquarters and unexpectedly left for Tsarskoe Selo.”

TWENTY-THIRD OF FEBRUARY, THURSDAY

1

In the secluded quiet of Tsarskoye Selo, Nikolai spent sixty-six days next to Alix, with his presence softening her immense grief of loss. (Fortunately, the winter lull at the front allowed such absence from Headquarters).

From the anxious, restless, grief-stricken Alix, Nikolai also conveyed the feeling of an impending period of troubles and misfortunes that could not be overcome immediately.

And another misfortune is that the death of the unfortunate man became the point of a disagreement between him and Alix. They always saw Gregory differently, his essence, significance, the degree of his wisdom, but sparing Alix’s feelings and faith, Nikolai never insisted on his own. And now Alix couldn’t let her husband go for not bringing the murderers to justice.

When on December 17 at Headquarters, during a military council with the commanders-in-chief about the plan for the campaign of 1717, the Tsar was given a telegram about the disappearance and possible death of Rasputin - he, sinfully, internally even quickly relieved himself: so much anger had accumulated around him, he was already tired of listening to this series of warnings and revelations , gossip - and suddenly the object of public hatred would fatalistically disappear by itself, without the Emperor having to make any effort or a painful conversation with Alix. Everything fell away - of course.

He had a simple minded attitude! He did not imagine that almost immediately he would have to leave both that military council, which had been established for so long, and Headquarters - and rush to Alix for two whole months - and earn a hail of reproaches: what is it - with his indifference to the fate of the elder savior he brought to the very end the possibility of such a murder, and then - and does not want to punish the murderers.

Yes, after half a day he himself was already ashamed that he could experience relief from the death of a person.

And indeed: the murder was like murder, long persecution and evil tongues turned into poison and pistol shots - and there were no mitigating circumstances, why not judge. But the fact that the sting of the injection came from very close, from the grand ducal environment and even from Dmitry, soft, gentle, raised almost like a son, loved and pampered (he took care of him at Headquarters, did not send him to the regiment), weakened the Tsar. The more inexpressible and relatable the insult was, the more powerless he was to respond.

Which monarch has done this? Only the distant, dumb, invisible Orthodox people were his support. And all the nearby spheres - educated and godless - were hostile, and even among government officials and government servants there were so few zealous and honest people.

And the hostility within the dynasty itself was striking: everyone hated Alix. Nikolasha and her Montenegrin sisters have been around for a long time. But Mom was always against her. But also Elizabeth, Alix’s sister. And of course, the Lutheran Aunt Michen did not forgive Alix’s zealous Orthodoxy, and due to the illness of the heir, she was preparing for the throne to be seized by her sons, either Cyril or Boris. And then, this autumn and winter, a string of whistleblowers appeared from the great princes and princesses, with rare impudence instructing the imperial couple on what to do - and even Sandro, a close friend of his youth once. Sandro agreed that the government itself was bringing the revolution closer, and what was needed was a government pleasing to the Duma. That all classes are hostile to the policy of the throne, and the people believe slander, and the royal couple has no right to drag their relatives into the abyss. His brother Georgy echoed him: if a government responsible to the Duma is not created, we will all perish. Great princes think about themselves. When they feel bad, they go to Biarritz, to Cannes. The Emperor is deprived of such an opportunity.

Now it was a shame in front of Russia that the hands of the sovereign’s relatives were stained with the blood of a peasant. But even so the circular dynastic condemnation was stifling that one could not find the firmness in the chest to respond with a judicial blow. And Mom asked not to initiate an investigation. Nikolai could not find the ruthless will in himself to persecute them severely according to the law. Yes, given the current gossip, any normal judicial action could be interpreted as personal revenge. And all that Nikolai decided to do: he ordered exile for Yusupov to his estate, for Dmitry to Persia, and for Purishkevich - there wasn’t even anything left, he left with his ambulance train to the front. And even this mild measure was met by a revolt of the dynasty, a hostile collective letter from the entire grand ducal extended family, and Sandro came and directly shouted at the Tsar to stop the murder case.

They were completely forgotten. They no longer considered themselves subject to either the state or God's judgment!

And here Alix breathed with anger that Nikolai was criminally soft towards the murderers and with this weakness would destroy both the kingdom and the family.

And it lay down and stretched out for all these two months in Tsarskoe - an unprecedented, long-lasting burden between him and Alix, a resentment that did not go away. Nikolai tried his best to give in and please. He resolved all the special concerns with the body of the murdered man, security, and burial here in Tsarskoe, on Anya’s land. And hiding from everyone, like hunted outcasts in this country, and not its kings, they buried Rasputin at night, by torches, and Nikolai himself, Protopopov, and Voeikov carried the coffin. And still, Alix did not soften completely, and her heart remained heavy. (She now went on lonely walks to grieve and pray at the grave. But evil people spied and in the very first days desecrated the grave. And they had to put a permanent guard there until the chapel was rebuilt in that place and closed).

Alix’s reproaches of weakness and royal ineptitude were so passionate and persistent—Nicholas’ confidence in himself was shaken. (And he was never strong from his youth; he considered himself a failure in everything. And even trips to the troops that he loved so much, he was convinced: they brought military failure to those troops). And even little Alexei, who had not yet interfered at all with adult affairs, exclaimed in grief: “Really, dad, won’t you punish them? After all, Stolypin’s murderer was hanged!” And really: why was he so weak? Why couldn’t he muster the will and determination of his father? Your great-grandfather?

After the murder of Gregory, the Emperor was even more unable to make any concessions to his opponents and society: they would have thought that he had freed himself from influence. Or: he’s also afraid of being killed.

Under the reproaches of his wife and his own reasoning, Nikolai decided to take drastic steps during these difficult winter months. Yes, now he will be firm and insist on fulfilling his will! He removed the Minister of Justice Makarov, whom Alix had not liked for a long time (and indifferently sluggish in the murder of Rasputin), and the Chairman of the Ministers Trepov, against whom she objected very much from the very beginning, that he was tough and alien. And he appointed the dear old Prince Golitsyn, who helped Alix so well on the affairs of prisoners of war, as prime minister. And he didn’t offend Protopopov. Then, on New Year’s Eve, he shook up the State Council, replaced some of the appointed members with more reliable ones, and made Shcheglovitov its chairman. (Even in this nest of sophisticated honorary dignitaries, the Tsar lost his majority and could not influence: not only elected members, but also appointed ones played the liberal game more and more ruinously here too). In general, he finally intended to move to decisive rule, to go against public opinion, no matter what the cost. Even deliberately choosing as ministers people whom the so-called public opinion hates, and to show that Russia will perfectly accept these appointments.

It was high time to decide on something. In December, congresses after congresses went on a rampage - zemstvo, city, even noble, competing to see whose denunciation of the government and tsarist power was louder. And the Tsar’s former favorite minister, Nikolai Maklakov, whose reports were always a joy for the Tsar, and working with him was inspiring, and he fired him under pressure from Nikolasha, now wrote most submissively that these congresses and all the hooting of the press must be correctly understood, that this began directly assault on power. And Maklakov presented a note from faithful people on how to save the state, and Shcheglovitov presented another similar one. The faithful did not sleep, so why did the Emperor give in to his soul?

And then from many sides, and from Uncle Pavel, there was information that everywhere in the capital and even in the guard they were openly talking about preparing a coup d'etat. And in January, at the beginning of February, the Sovereign had an idea - to strike a pre-emptive blow: to return his best firm ministers to their places and dissolve the Duma now, and not assemble it until the end of 1917, when a new Fifth would be elected. And he has already instructed Maklakov to draw up a formidable manifesto on the dissolution of the Duma. And Maklakov already compiled and submitted.

But then, as always, the Emperor was overcome by debilitating doubts: is it necessary to aggravate this? Is it necessary to risk an explosion? Isn’t it better - peacefully, as it flows on its own, without paying much attention to the bullies?

About a coup? So this is all talk, during the war no Russian will agree to a coup, not even the State Duma, deep down everyone loves Russia. And the Army is infinitely faithful to its Sovereign. There is no real danger - and why cause a new split and resentment? Among the names of the conspirators, the Police Department provided such major ones as Guchkov, Lvov, Chelnokov. The Emperor wrote: public figures, especially during war, cannot be touched.

Never before had such aching loneliness been felt around the royal family as after this unfortunate murder. Betrayed by relatives and slandered by society, they retained only a few close ministers - but they, too, were even more hated by society. And loyal close friends, like the adjutant Sablin, also remained in the cross. They spent Christmastide, winter evenings and Sundays with them at uncrowded dinners and teas, or they invited a small orchestra to the palace, or a cinema. Moreover, there were still uniquely varied walks in the vicinity of Tsarskoe, even a new one: on snow motors. And in the evenings, Nikolai read aloud to the family a lot and solved puzzles with the children. Yes, since February the children began to get sick.

Alix spent these two months almost completely lying there, like a dead person. She learned almost nothing, did not know except the death of Gregory - and with this loyalty I burn every day, as if she reproached Nikolai more and more.

The family atmosphere was Nikolai’s favorite atmosphere, and so, undisturbedly withdrawn, he could have lived for a year or two. I didn’t miss a single liturgy, I fasted and took communion. However, now in the vicinity of the capital, he could not evade the affairs of state administration during these nine weeks. In one of these weeks, a conference of allies opened in Petrograd, Nikolai had no desire to appear in its bustle, and General Gurko acted there as the eldest from Russia, but he pretty much annoyed the Emperor with the length and harshness of his reports. (But I had to receive the conference delegates at Tsarskoe - and Nikolai shrank so much, suffered so much - so that they would not give him advice on domestic policy). Every weekday, the Emperor received two, three or four ministers or prominent figures who liked him with great pleasure.

But is it because the note of funerealness has not subsided in their house all these weeks, the headaches and sobs for the dead have gone on too long, somewhere there is a limit for every man - Nikolai finally began to gravitate toward the simple, relaxed life at Headquarters, to even without ministerial reports. The other day, Mikhail came to Tsarskoye from Gatchina (his wife, the daughter of a sworn attorney, twice already divorced, was not admitted or recognized) and said that discontent was growing in the army: why was the Emperor absent from Headquarters for so long. Somewhere there was even a rumor that Nikolasha would again take over the Supreme Command.

Oh really? What nonsense, but dangerous nonsense. Indeed, it's time to go. (It also happened so unfortunately that his last stay at Headquarters was short: he spent his name day with his family in Tsarskoe, returned to Headquarters only on December 7, and on the 17th he was already called by the death of Rasputin, and that’s still the case).

But it was not at all easy to ask Alix for time off. It was impossible for her to understand how he could leave her in such grief and when new assassination attempts could follow. They agreed that he would go only for a week or even less - so that on the unlucky March 1st anniversary for the Romanovs, the day of his grandfather’s murder, he could return to Tsarskoye and be together again. And this time she did not let the heir go with his father, he was coughing for something.

And Nikolai consoled himself with the fact that he was leaving the empress under the protection of Protopopov. Protopopov assured that all matters were arranged, and nothing was in danger in the capital, and the Emperor could travel safely.

When the departure was already decided, this weight of reproach that had separated them for two months suddenly subsided. Alix warmed up, clarified things, eagerly delved into his questions, reminded him not to forget who in the army should be rewarded and who should be replaced - and she was especially distrustful and hostile towards Alekseev’s return to Headquarters after a long illness: why? It wouldn't be necessary. He is a Guchkov man, not reliable. I wish I could reward him and let him rest honorably.

But Nikolai loved his hard-working, unarrogant old man and did not find the strength to leave him. There’s no way to say this, it’s inconvenient. Related to Guchkov? So Gurko, in the same position, now in Petrograd, according to Protopopov’s report, met with Guchkov. And he was connected with the Duma. (And so, ten days ago, at a report in Tsarskoye, a voice came like a whirlwind, like the trumpet of Jericho: “Sovereign, you are ruining both your family and yourself! What are you preparing for yourself? The mob will not stand on ceremony, leave Protopopov aside!” - so maddened it happened when Nikolai was nearby, he already regretted that he agreed to take him).

Yesterday afternoon Nikolai was driving to the station - as always, to the ringing of the Fedorovsky Cathedral, both he and Alix were inspired by the ringing of the bells. On the way we stopped to kiss the Banner.

It had just cleared up - and the bright, frosty, joyful sun promised a good outcome for everything.

And in Nikolai’s compartment a pleasant surprise awaited him (as well as the usual reception between them): an envelope from Alix, placed on the table with the travel accessories. I began to read greedily, in English:

"My precious! With sadness and deep anxiety, I let you go alone without our sweet, gentle Baby. God sent you a truly terribly heavy cross. What can I do? Just pray and pray. Our dear Friend in another world is also praying for you - so He is even closer to us.

Things seem to be getting better. Just, dear, be firm, show a powerful hand, that’s what the Russians need. You never missed an opportunity to show love and kindness - now let them feel your fist sometimes. They themselves ask for this, just as many recently told me: “We need a whip!” This is strange, but such is the Slavic nature: the greatest firmness, even cruelty, and ardent love. They must learn to fear you - love alone is not enough. We need to play with the reins: loosen them, tighten them..."

Whip? - it's horrible. This cannot be imagined or spoken. Neither swing. If this is the price to be a king, then there is no need at all.

But to be firm - yes. But to show a powerful hand - yes, it is finally necessary.

“I hope you can come back very soon. I know all too well how "roaring crowds" act when you're close. Just now you are much more needed here than there. So come home in ten days. Your wife - your stronghold - is always on guard in the rear.

Ah, the loneliness of the coming nights - there is no Sun with you and no Sunbeam!

Oh dear! My treasure!…

And how it relieved my heart that there were no clouds between us again. How mentally empowering this is.

As always, on the way by rail, Nikolai read with pleasure, resting and refreshing himself, this time in French - about the Gallic War of Julius Caesar; he wanted something alien from modern life.

It was cold outside, but somehow I didn’t want to move; I didn’t get out of the car anywhere during the entire journey.

Nikolai noticed more than once: our calm or anxiety does not depend on distant, even major events, but on what is happening directly next to us. If there is no tension in the environment, in the next few hours and days, then your soul becomes light. After the St. Petersburg state worries and without the nasty official papers, it was very nice to lie in the sweet train trembling, read and not have the need to see anyone, talk to someone.

And late in the evening I re-read my favorite charming English story about the Blue Boy. And, as always, tears came.

DOCUMENTS – 1

To Her Majesty. Telegram.

Arrived safely. Clear, cold, windy. I rarely cough. I feel strong again, but very lonely. Mentally always together. I miss you terribly.

Nicky

to His Majesty

(in English)

Well, Olga and Alexei have measles. Baby coughs a lot and his eyes hurt. They lie in the dark. We eat in the red room. I can imagine your terrible loneliness without dear Baby. He and Olga are sad that they cannot write to you, they cannot tire their eyes... Oh, my love, how sad it is without you - how lonely, how I long for your love, your kisses, my priceless treasure, I think about you endlessly. Wear a cross sometimes if you have difficult decisions ahead - it will help you.

...I will shower you with kisses. Forever

Rus' and its autocrats Anishkin Valery Georgievich

Rasputin and the fall of the Romanov dynasty

Rasputin (New) Grigory Efimovich (1864–1916) - favorite of the last Romanovs. Originally from the peasants of the Tobolsk province. They say that in his youth Rasputin was involved in horse stealing.

His wild life gave way at the age of 30 to religiosity. Rasputin visited many places as a pilgrim. He wandered through monasteries under the guise of a “holy elder” and a “soothsayer.” He had the gift of hypnosis, foresight, healing, and knew how to influence people. Through the Bishop of Tobolsk Varnava and the rector of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy, Feofan penetrated into the highest circles of the St. Petersburg aristocracy; in 1907 he appeared at the royal court. More than once he helped the heir to the throne, Tsarevich Alexei, who suffered from a serious illness - hemophilia, and convinced Empress Alexandra Feodorovna that the future of the royal family, the monarchy and Russia as a whole depended on him. Using the mystical moods of the empress, Rasputin influenced Nicholas II through her and interfered in state affairs. It happened that ministers were removed and appointed based on his illiterate notes.

Rumors about this and about his connection with Alexandra Fedorovna excited the country and discredited the royal house.

“Debauchery” became an expression of the crisis of power. To stop the fall of the monarchy and the collapse of the country - both generals, grand dukes, and Duma deputies agreed with this - Rasputin should have been removed.

On December 2, 1916, convinced monarchist V.M. spoke in the Duma. Purishkevich (1870–1920). For two hours he denounced “the behind-the-scenes forces that are disgracing and destroying the dynasty.” The conclusion from his speech: “...a dark man should not continue to rule Russia,” was met with applause.

The monarchists (Prince Yusupov, Purishkevich), with the participation of Grand Duke Dmitry Pavlovich, organized a conspiracy, and on the night of December 16-17, 1916, in the house of Prince F.F. Yusupova Rasputin was killed.