On August 21, 1745, Catherine II married into the Russian royal family, PeterIII. She and Peter proved to be anything but a happy couple, however. Peter was immature and juvenile so that Catherine had to develop her own pastimes, which was reading extensive materials. Finally, she produced the heir who was named as Paul, born on September 20, 1754. However, he was one of the major subjects for a great debate that Paul's father was actually Sergei Saltykov, who was a Russian noble. Then, Elizabeth took over raising the child soon after his birth so Catherine had only little time together with her son. After in December 25, 1761, Empress Elizabeth died and Catherine's husband obtained a throne. Peter was openly cruel to his wife, and often discussed pushing her aside to allow his mistress to rule with him. He soon alienated other nobles, officials and the military with his staunch support for Prussia. A purveyor of what would be seen today as progressive domestic reforms, he also angered the Orthodox Church by taking away their lands. After six months, Peter was overthrown in a coup made by Catherine. Along with Gregory Orloy, who was Catherine’s true lover, she got him stepped down from power and assumed control herself. After Peter's resignation, he was killed himself but it is unclear that Catherine played in her husband's death. Due to some concerns of devastation by opposing forces, she sought to appease the military and the church. She recalled troops that had been sent by Peter to fight Denmark, and made as her allies who helped her to become an empress. Early year of her life, she returned the church's land and property.