Pretendentka

Pretendentka is a term used in the context of the Russian Orthodox Church to refer to a woman who claims to be a descendant of the Romanov dynasty, specifically the House of Romanov, which ruled Russia from 1613 to 1917. The term is derived from the Russian word "pretendent," which means pretender. The concept of pretendentka gained prominence in the 20th century, particularly after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the subsequent execution of the Romanov family in 1918.

The most notable pretendentka is Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna of Russia, who was born in 1899. She is the daughter of Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich of Russia and his wife, Princess Maria Pavlovna of Greece and Denmark. Maria Vladimirovna has been recognized by some Russian Orthodox churches as the rightful heir to the Russian throne. Her claim is based on the fact that she is a direct descendant of Tsar Nicholas II through her father, who was the youngest son of Tsar Nicholas I.

The status of pretendentka is a complex and controversial issue, as it involves questions of legitimacy, succession, and the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in the political affairs of Russia. Some supporters of the pretendentka movement argue that the Romanov dynasty was overthrown by the Bolsheviks, and that the claim to the throne should be recognized. Others view the concept of pretendentka as a symbol of resistance to Soviet rule and a means of preserving the memory of the Romanov dynasty. However, the majority of the Russian Orthodox Church does not recognize the claim of any pretendentka to the throne, and views the issue as a matter of historical and theological interest rather than political significance.