Feathers of the Firebird: Discovering Russian Heritage Abroad

The Church of Alexander Nevsky in the Tunisian city of Bizerte is a monument to Russian emigration and maritime history. Its foundation stone was laid on October 10, 1937 in honor of the ships of the Russian squadron that arrived in Tunisia in 1920. The architect of the church was military engineer Nikolai Sukharzhevsky. On February 25, 1938, the rite of raising the crosses was performed, and on September 10, 1939, the first minor consecration took place. The church was destroyed during World War II, but was restored by architect Mikhail Kozmin. Today, the church serves as a spiritual center for the Russian diaspora and a keeper of the memory of past events.

In this episode, we recount the dramatic story of the Russian Imperial Navy frigate Alexander Nevsky, which ran aground off the Danish coast in 1868. Discover how locals and sailors united in a heroic rescue effort, saving 719 lives, and learn about the lasting legacy of this maritime tragedy in Denmark and beyond.

Discover the untold stories of Russians who left an indelible mark far from home. In this episode, we journey to Halls Creek, Australia, where a modest statue honors "Russian Jack" — Ivan Fredericks from Arkhangelsk. A symbol of selflessness, his heroic act of saving a prospector’s life in the rugged outback remains largely unknown. Join us as we uncover this remarkable tale and explore the enduring legacy of Russians abroad.