Greetings of the Head of the Russian Imperial House, H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna to the Prize-Winners of the Russian-Bulgarian Children’s Competition “Bulgaria: My Love” — “Russia: My Love”

I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the prize-winners of the international Russian-Bulgarian children’s competition “Bulgaria: My love”—“Russia: My love.” This endeavor represents an important contribution to the patriotic upbringing of the younger generation of our two brotherly Slavic peoples and a strengthening of the friendship between Russia and Bulgaria. I express my thanks to the Foundation “Generational Connection [Sviaz’ pokolenii],” which organized the competition with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Alexis II of Moscow and All Russia in the best traditions of Orthodox spirituality and culture.

I was deeply touched that the glorious 125th anniversary of the liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman yoke was marked with such love and sincerity by you during this event. I consider this a fitting memorial to the feat of arms won by My Great-Great-Grandfather, Emperor Alexander II, Tsar-Liberator, and to the illustrious military commanders, and to the thousands of Russians and Bulgarians who spilt their blood and gave their lives for their common ideals.

May God preserve you all! 

(The original is signed in Her Imperial Highness’s own hand:) 

Maria

Given in Madrid

27 February 2003