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The
Russian College of Heraldry
(Collegium Heraldicum Russiae)
By Michael Subritzky-Kusza Ct, Ambassador CHR.
and Grand Chronicler
The Russian College of Heraldry was re-established in April 1991 under the High Patronage of His Imperial Highness, The Grand Duke of Russia
Vladimir Kirillovich in his capacity as Head of the Imperial House of
Romanov. Up until his death in 1992, the Grand Duke supported the aims
of the College, its' re-establishment as an Imperial College of Arms and
as well the renaissance of Russian heraldry.
Background
Although the Russian nobility had used Arms, seals and
banners since time immemorial, Russian heraldry only became standardised
and registered as recently as 1722. Czar Peter the Great established the
first Imperial College of Arms (Geroldia) and modelled it after the French
system. After the Bolshevik revolution in 1917, all forms of Imperial
heraldry were removed, defaced or destroyed and a completely new and unique
system of heraldic expression came into being featuring the communist
hammer and sickle.
Now re-established, the Russian College of Heraldry is
legally registered with the Russian Ministry of Justice as the sole legal
body legitimately entitled to "Create, produce, register and publish
grants of arms for individuals and corporations". Russia also has
a State Heraldic Service which is based in Saint Petersburg, but this
organisation is a government department responsible only for the design
and manufacture of government heraldry.
Services:
The CHR offers a number of heraldic services to honourable
Christian gentlemen/women, which include:
EXAMPLES:
Procedure:
The applicant should first write to the CHR and apply
for a personal grant of arms. In due course the CHR will request from
the applicant a copy of their CV, two passport sized photographs, a sketch
of the considered achievement and a description of the blazon (design).
The CHR will then create a line drawing of the Arms which is heraldically
correct, and make alterations to the achievement until such time as the
applicant is satisfied with the style and design. The CHR will then produce
an impressively emblazoned 'Diploma Armorum' which is hand painted and
executed in the fine Russian style. Also issued is a certificate of registration
with the text done in either old Russian, Latin or English; whichever
the applicant prefers. Also included is an exquisite line drawing for
use as a letterhead master for personalising the Armigers stationary.
The diploma and certificate are currently being produced on (British sized)
A4 parchment paper which is laminated with plastic film for protection.
At this time in history it has been found to be the best size to mail
safely out of Russia.
Payment:
The current cost of any of the above services is at this
time very modest and all fees and payments assist with the revival of
Russian heraldry and traditions. Due to problems experienced with pilfering
of mail in Russia SEND NO MONEY; the applicant simply pays when requested
into the electronic banking system at any branch of his local bank. For more information on the Russian College of Heraldry please feel free to contact the writer at: kusza@xtra.co.nz
and remember that a 'Coat of Arms' is the one sure heirloom and family
treasure that you can leave to your descendants that will remain with
them in perpetuity and will always be cherished and remembered with honour.
A grant of arms from the Russian College of Heraldry is as legitimate
as a grant from any other College of Arms, but with the advantage of being
executed in less than half of the time and (currently) at a fraction of
the cost. With Russia's circumstances being what they are at the
present time this is a 'window of opportunity' for any private individual,
no matter what their nationality, who desires a grant of arms to realise
that ambition.
or write to the College personally:
CONTACT
:
PLEASE MENTION SAINT STANISLAS WHEN WRITING OR E-MAILING!
Collegium Heraldicum Russiae,
E-mail: vyegorov@armorial.kirov.ruCommander Valery Yegorov,
Saint Andrew Principal Herald Master
OR armorial@yandex.ruPrincipal Herald Master
Websites URL: Russian College of Heraldry and Armorial.Org
RELATED LINKS:
Russian Archives ...Russian Nobility ... Russian Assembly of Nobility ... Russian Titles ... Russian Revisited: Aristocracy
Post Office Box 2677
Kirov 610031, Russia.
This page was last updated on September 7, 2006.