GENEVA: March 26, 2008
Ukase of Bishop Michael on the Restoration of the Gallipoli Monument and Appeal to the Descendants of the Russians of Gallipoli Ukase 

On January 10, 2008, in Gallipoli, Turkey, less than three hundred kilometers from Constantinople, the foundation was laid for the restoration of a monument to the men of the Russian Army and all Russian people who died in the Gallipoli camp in 1920-21. The Gallipoli Monument is being restored in its original form, exactly as it was then, not far from the former cemetery where even now, in all probability, the remains of the soldiers and their families lie, some 500 persons in all. The restoration of the memorial is occurring at the initiative and support of the Fund of St Andrew the First-called, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Russia's embassy and consulates in Turkey, and also the Turkish authorities themselves. Also participating in this project is the Diocese of Western Europe of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. The Mayor of Gallipoli and the local Governor warmly greeted the Russian delegation when they arrived for the laying of the foundation; a ceremonial luncheon was attended by local Turkish representatives, descendants of those who knew the Russian military men. 

From May 16-18, 2008, a delegation will attend the opening and consecration of the monument. As I am a member of the Organizing Committee of the Center for National Glory of Russia charged with the restoration of this memorial in Gallipoli, the Committee as well as Gallipoli's mayor and members of Russia's diplomatic corps in Turkey have asked me to inform the descendants of the Russians of Gallipoli of the preparations for this ceremony and that their participation is welcomed.  

With this goal in mind, I have authorized Alexei Pavlovich Grigoriev to perform a preliminary survey throughout the Russian émigré community. At his initiative, an icon is being painted depicting St Nicholas of Myra in Lycia the Miracle-worker, the protector of the White Movement. The icon will be 80 x 130 centimeters, and will bear the inscription: "To the glorious people of Gallipoli, the heroes of the White Army and all the warriors who laid down their lives for the Homeland, tortured and killed in the time of troubles and to those who died in peace: Eternal Memory! Glory and honor to the Knights of Gallipoli! You shall always be our pride! The children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the People of Gallipoli." 

Many have already responded, and some one hundred twenty names have been gathered. We ask all of the descendants of the people of Gallipoli, living on all continents, to make yourselves known and report how you are related, and if possible the rank in which your ancestors served in Gallipoli in 1920-21. This information can be sent to the Chancery of the Western European Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia at 18, rue de Beaumont, 1206, Geneva, Switzerland, or by e-mail at episkop.mikhail@gmail.com. 

Upon the determination of all the details of the event, all those who respond will be notified. 

Godspeed!

+Bishop Michael
of Geneva and Western Europe