The Head of the House of Romanoff congratulates the “Radonezh” Orthodoxy Society on the 25th anniversary of its founding
The Head of the Russian Imperial House, H.I.H. The Grand Duchess Maria of Russia, has sent her congratulations to the “Radonezh” Orthodox Society on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of its founding.
The Grand Duchess’s Rescript was read aloud by Alexander Zakatov, the Director of H.I.H.’s Chancellery, during celebrations held on October 30, 2014, in Christ the Savior Cathedral.
Also at the ceremony, the President of the “Radonezh” Orthodox Society, E. K. Nikiforov, was awarded the Imperial Order of St. Vladimir IV Class and the Imperial Medal “In Commemoration of the 400th Anniversary of the House of Romanoff.” The decrees for these awards were signed by the Head of the Russian Imperial House on September 23/October 6, 2014 (the 100th anniversary of the birth of H.I.H. The Grand Duchess Leonida Georgievna). E. K. Nikiforov had previously been awarded the Imperial Order of St. Anna II Class and currently serves as a special advisor to Her Imperial Highness on social and charitable issues.
From the Head of the Russian Imperial House
To: A. P. Torshin
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the “Radonezh” Orthodox Society, and
First Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation,
and
E. K. Nikoforov
President of the “Radonezh” Orthodox Society
I send my heartfelt congratulations to you and your staff on the 25th anniversary of the founding of the “Radonezh” Orthodox Society.
In the quarter century that has passed since its founding, the Society has made significant contributions to education, to the rebirth of Russia’s national traditions, the preservation and restoration of historical and cultural monuments, the strengthening of friendship among the peoples of our country, and to the promotion of pilgrimages to the nation’s holy shrines. Its radio station and newspaper Radonezh have become popular and reliable news outlets in today’s Russia. The multifaceted activities of the Society have helped to preserve the unity of our great nation and culture.
I wish you all health, strength of spirit and body, and God’s help in your service to the Holy Church and to our country.
My son and Heir, Grand Duke George of Russia, also sends his congratulations to you all.
With deepest respect,
H.I.H. The Grand Duchess Maria of Russia
Madrid
October 17/30, 2014