In 1998, I introduced a queen bee from the Mukachevo breeding apiary into a small observation…

In 1998, I introduced a queen bee from the Mukachevo breeding apiary into a small observation hive I had purchased from the Moscow beekeeper Mefodiy Stepanovich Ilyushenko at the start of my beekeeping journey. Surprisingly, his apiary was located in the heart of Moscow, in a church garden near the "Krasnoselskaya" metro station, close to Sokolniki Park. Despite what seemed like a lack of nectar sources, Mefodiy consistently harvested marketable honey from each colony. I once hesitantly tasted his honey during a visit, and my concerns about its quality were unfounded. M.S. Ilyushenko lived to 98, maintaining a sharp mind and relative vitality. Today, his daughter, Zinaida Mefodyevna, continues his beekeeping legacy at 75 years old, and I wish her good health for many more years.