BIRTH OF THE FAMILY
In the summer of 1899, Helena and her mother visited Bologoye, the estate of her aunt. The aunt’s husband, Prince Putyatin, seriously devoted himself to archaeology. Nicholas Roerich came there on archaeological business, but Prince Putyatin was away. Nicholas spent three days at his house waiting for him.
From their first meeting, Helena and Nicholas felt a tremendous rapport with one another. They found many common interests in music and art. On returning to St. Petersburg, the youths continued to meet — they visited exhibitions, concerts, spoke of art, philosophy. Soon their rapport and mutual attraction transformed into feelings of deep love.
At first Helena’s relatives were against the marriage, but one unusual event helped them. Three times in succession Helena had a dream that her late father said to her, “Helena, marry Nicholas,” and in the last dream he added, “At the Ascension everything will come out right; everything will be well.” And so it was that many years later, Helena found out that it was her spiritual Father, the Great Teacher of Light, who had appeared to her in the aspect of her father.
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The marriage was decided, but soon after, Helena and Nicholas had to be separated for some time. Nicholas Roerich had to go to Paris to complete his artistic education, and there was no money to go together. Only after his coming back — on October 28, 1901 — were they able to marry.
After that they went through life together, supporting and supplementing each other. In this way an amazing family was born, which set an example of an uncommonly harmonious union. Later on their children became the full members of this union. Every member of the family had remarkable talents, combined with a deep mutual understanding, love and respect for one another.
