FROM THE HEAD OF THE IMPERIAL HOUSE OF RUSSIA
To His Eminence Archbishop Dmitrii of Vitebsk and Orsha
Head of the Mission of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia in the Church of the Holy Great Martyr Irene in Pokrovskoe (Moscow)
Your Eminence,
Congratulations on your 70th birthday!
It is with deepest gratitude and respect that I recall your tireless efforts in advancing Orthodox education, reviving the foundations of Christian morality, restoring holy churches and other holy places, and contributing in significant ways to the preservation of the spiritual unity of Holy Russia. And I appreciate especially your prayers and moral support for Our House.
I pray you may have good health, strength and fortitude, and God’s inexhaustible support for your pastoral work feeding and guiding your flock.
My son and heir Grand Duke George of Russia and his spouse Princess Victoria Romanovna join me in sending these warmest congratulations to you.
Asking your Archpastoral prayers and blessing, and ever yours in respect and affection,
[The original is signed in Her Imperial Highness’s own hand:]
MARIA
9/22 January 2023
St. Philip Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia
