WWI RUSSIAN OSSUARY

The “Russian Ossuary” at the New Cemetery in Belgrade was built by the Committee for the Erection of the Russian Ossuary. The initiative for its construction was led by the Association of Former Active Imperial Russian Officers and Other Conscripts, under the leadership of Colonel (later General) Mihail F. Skorodumov. The Belgrade municipality provided land near the Iverska Chapel, and an appeal for voluntary contributions was made to all humanitarian, cultural, and educational societies, asking them to donate the value of one large stone each. During the consecration of the ossuary’s foundation on July 19, 1934, King Alexander I of Yugoslavia provided financial assistance through his envoy, and Queen Maria donated an additional five thousand dinars to support its completion.

On the day of its consecration, May 24, 1935, the remains of 387 Russian soldiers who had fallen in the First World War were laid to rest in the ossuary. The consecration ceremony for the monument took place on January 12, 1936 in the presence of Patriarch Varnava.

Built to serve as a memorial, the “Monument of Russian Glory” was designed by Roman Verhovski, who also created all of its sculptural motifs. The monument is crafted from gray stone, featuring a central column shaped like the barrel of an artillery gun. At the top stands a symbolic figure of Archangel Michael, with one hand resting on a metal Orthodox cross—symbolizing a sword—while his other hand holds broken chains, representing victory. The Russian imperial coat of arms is engraved in the middle of the monument’s column.

The religious symbolism in the monument’s sculpture was heavily influenced by the political changes in Russia following the October Revolution, which prompted both the initiators of the monument and its designer to leave the country. The universal symbolism of the triumph of good over evil represents victory over enemies in war, as well as freedom from the oppression that led them into exile. The structure itself is a synthesis of Russian Orthodox artistic traditions and Art Deco design.

According to the latest records, 594 individuals are interred in the Russian Ossuary, though it is believed this number may not be final.