The Narva Branch of the Assembly of Factory and Mill Workers - Sunday January 9, 1905

Novikov and his daughter Svetlana neared the Narva Branch just as the workers began their march. As the marchers neared them Novikov immediately noticed the large cross, the banners and icons being carried by those in the front row. He also noticed several others were carrying portraits of the Tzars of Russia.

“Look at this Svetka, it is amazing. A march to pay homage to God and his chosen leader the Tzar. This is going to be a day we will never forget.”

Seeing the excitement in his father put her fears at ease. “Yes, Papa.”

“Quick, quick let’s join our brothers and sisters in this great march.” Novikov replied.

As they joined the marchers Svetlana noticed the banner behind the religious icons that simply read “Soldiers Do Not Shoot The People!” She wanted to tell her father that she wanted to go home but when she saw the smile on his face she realized this was the happiest day he had experienced since his wife and her mother had died. She could push aside her fears so that her father could have a day to fulfill his dreams.

As they fell in line the atmosphere was jubilant. They were going to create a better life for everyone. God was with them and their devotion would be rewarded.

Novikov quickly joined in with the thousands of others who were singing Save Your People Lord, and Bless your Inheritance.

“Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance;
Govern and uphold them, now and forever.”

Svetlana looked all around at the people who had joined in the march. They appeared to be of all ages. Although much fewer children and women than she had expected. She did love the dresses she saw the women wearing. It was clear they had worn their finest outfits. Svetlana listened as the singing continued.

“Give peace to your church and to the whole world; make us your instruments of justice and truth.

Grant us forgiveness of our sins and offenses; Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.“

As Novikov sang as loud as his voice would let him he reflected on the words that filled the air. The Lord would have mercy on them because this procession truly was the instrument of justice and truth. People who had only known suffering were about to be granted relief. To be a part of this great victory that would make his children’s lives easier would ease the grief that had filled his life since his wife died.

“Strengthen our communion with all your saints;

Bind us together by your Holy Spirit.

Heal the sick and comfort the lonely;
Relieve the sufferings of all your people.”

Svetlana tried to focus on the words that were thundering around her. She was impressed with the sound that so many people could make when singing in unison. She wanted to make her father happy and she knew he loved the church. She knew that Ivan thought they were suffering but she thought she had a pretty good life.

Maybe her father was lonely. He had been without a wife for a long time. Maybe a wife would comfort his loneliness.

“Remember all who have died in your mercy; welcome them into the light of your kingdom.

In you, Lord, is our hope;
And we shall never hope in vain.”

As soon as one song ended a new one began. Svetlana actually knew the next one. It was the national anthem.

“God, save the Tsar!
Strong, sovereign,
Reign for glory, For our glory!

Reign to foes’ fear,
Orthodox Tsar.
God, save the Tsar!”

As the national anthem came to a close Svetlana had to admit that she was enjoying the march. What made it even more magical was listening to the church bells ringing and seeing more and more people join in the march. Svetlana was beginning to think she actually would see the empress today. Her father had been right this was where they needed to be today.

Narva Arch - Sunday January 9, 1905

Andreev stood off to the side of the military units that had formed blocking the bridge over the Tarakanovka River. He could hear the singing of the approaching workers and knew that soon the workers and soldiers would cross paths. Andreev hoped the workers would then do the sensible thing and go home.

Kiselyov, as an officer, was moving about the line of soldiers that would prevent the workers from crossing the bridge. He was satisfied with what he saw and knew that no one would cross his bridge. He still couldn’t understand what this band of revolutionaries was trying to accomplish. Did they really think they could challenge the authority of the Tzar. It was ridiculous to think that the dregs of society felt entitled to an audience with the Tzar. Once they saw the soldiers they would remember their place and they would slink away back to the factory floors where they belonged. Their belligerence could hamper the war effort against Japan and that could only be viewed as treason.

Soon enough this contemptable rabble would see the majesty and splendor of the Tzar’s army and they would acknowledge their mistake in thinking they could try to impose their will on the Tzar. If only they had been smart enough to realize it before Kiselyov had to take the train ride into the city.

Troitskia Square - Sunday January 9, 1905

Boris Markov had not planned to be where he was, he had initially thought he would be marching with Father Gapon. Sometimes the life of a secret police officer took unexpected turns. In order to develop a new source for underground revolutionary activities he found himself amidst a different set of marchers.

He had watched with keen interest as small groups had been sent to the city center for several hours. Clearly those in charge of this march were aware of the military presence in the city and they were taking precautions to avoid confrontation. As the morning grew late it was time to march together as a large group. Everyone who was still congregating would now march as a large group. Markov had imbedded himself with a group of several hundred marchers. After walking for about an hour they were fast approaching a line of soldiers.

Palace Square - January 9, 1905

Pavel Medvedev had originally planned to march to the Winter Palace with a group of workers. Then he realized he didn’t know where they were meeting. This was a minor inconvenience. If there were going to be 150,000 people marching it would not be hard to find a crowd.

As he set out he immediately noticed the increasing presence of soldiers. Some of them had been milling around, while others were clearly taking up positions to stop people from reaching the Winter Palace. Seeing this Medvedev decided to go straight to the Winter Palace. He wanted to be there rather than stopped by soldiers before reaching the palace. He could ask marchers about their experiences walking to the palace once they got there. He didn’t need to join them. Besides if anything big was going to happen it would happen at the winter palace, so that is where he was going to be.