The Head of the House of Romanoff sends Her Greetings to the Imperial Orthodox Society of Palestine

From the Head of the Russian Imperial House

To S. V. Stepashin

Chairman of the Imperial Orthodox

Society of Palestine

Dear Sergei Vadimovich!

I send my heartfelt thanks to you for your invitation to attend the joint meeting of both the Committee of Honorary Members and the Council of the Imperial Orthodox Society of Palestine. To my great regret, circumstances prevent me from being present in Russia at this time. But I am indeed with you in spirit and in prayer.

The activities of the Imperial Orthodox Society of Palestine—one of the few Russian institutions which managed to maintain its original form and function through the revolution—is one of the most important factors in the spiritual, cultural, and social life of our people. I personally cherish the historical ties between the Society and Our House, which have been revived and have developed in new directions.

I hope that in the near future I will be able to meet with you in Russia.

I ask that you extend my sincere thanks to His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill I of Moscow and all Russia, the Chairman of the Committee of Honorary Members of the Imperial Orthodox Society of Palestine, for his archpastoral blessing and prayers for our family.

My august mother, Grand Duchess Leonida Georgievna, and my son and heir, Grand Duke Georgii Mikhailovich, send to you and to all the participants of the joint meeting, our heartfelt greetings.

Be assured, dear Sergei Vadimovich, of my warmest feelings and best wishes for the abundant blessing of God on your service to the Fatherland.

Original signed in Her Imperial Highness’s Own Hand

Maria
H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna
Madrid, 21 March/3 April 2009