The Head of the House of Romanoff has sent Her Congratulations to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on the Occasion of the 5th Anniversary of His Enthronement.

From the Head of the Russian Imperial House

To His Holiness
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia

Your Holiness,

I offer my heartfelt congratulations to you on the 5th anniversary of your enthronement as Patriarch.

With all my heart I wish you health, long life, and God’s help in shepherding the Russian flock and in serving the Orthodox Church.

This past year, we celebrated the 400th anniversary of the Great Church Council and Assembly of the Land of 1613, which together restored the Russian state. The decisions made at these councils were made before the Feodorovsky Icon of the Mother of God. It is deeply symbolic that your election and elevation to the Patriarchal throne was likewise made before this very same holy image.

During the terrible years of the Time of Troubles in the early 17-th century, as during other difficult ordeals at other times, the Church has played a pivotal role in defending and liberating our native land. And today, the prayer-filled actions and ardent words of the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church continue to inspire and strengthen all who are united in Faith, Hope, and Love.

Asking your archpastoral blessing and prayers for me and my son and heir, Grand Duke George of Russia, I remain affectionately and most respectfully yours,

Maria
H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria of Russia

Madrid
January 19/February 1, 2014