The Head of the House of Romanoff has sent Her Congratulations to Zurab Konstantinovich Tsereteli on the Occasion of his 80th Birthday
On January 4, 2014, the famous Russian artist and sculptor, President of the Russian Academy of Arts, Z. K. Tsereteli, turned 80 years old. The birth day celebrations took place in the Tsereteli Galleryon Prechistenka Street on January 30, 2014. Below is the text of a congratulatory rescript that the Head of the Russian Imperial House, H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria of Russia, sent to Z. K. Tsereteli.
From the Head of the Russian Imperial House
To the President of the Russian Academy of Arts,
Z. K. Tsereteli
Dear Zurab Konstantinovich,
I send you my heartfelt congratulations on your 80th birthday!
I greatly appreciate your personal contributions to Russian cultural life, your efforts to educate a new generation of artists and sculptors, your work to assist the Holy Orthodox Church, your concern for strengthening good relations among different peoples, and your tireless labors to preserve our nation’s historical heritage and to perpetuate the memory of the faithful sons and daughters of our homeland who have gone before us.
The works of art you have created depicting heroes and workers, saints, generals and statesmen, monarchs and hierarchs of the Church, scientists and artists have all become part of the glittering treasurythat is the cultural inheritance of Russia.
I will forever keep in my heart the grateful memory of your participation in the reburial of the remains of my grandfather and grandmother—the Head of the Georgian Royal House, Prince George Alexandrovich and Princess Elena Sigizmundovna—in the royal family vaults of the kings of Georgia
I and my son and heir, Grand Duke George of Russia, wish you good health, long life, and God’s bountiful blessingsin your wonderful creative work.
Ever sincerely and affectionately yours,
Maria
H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria of Russia
Madrid
January 4, 2014
This rescript was read aloud during the birthday celebrations at the Tsereteli Gallery and was presented to Z. K. Tsereteli by the Director of the Chancellery of the Russian Imperial House, A. N. Zakatov. The Director of the Chancellery also awarded Z. K. Tsereteli the “Commemorative Medal of the 400th Anniversary of the House of Romanoff.” A. K. Tsereteli’s daughter, E. Z. Tsereteli, was at that time awarded the Imperial Order of St. Anastasia the Alleviatrix of Captives, and A. N. Zakatov presented her with the diploma and insignia of the Order.