Letter of Congratulations from the Head of the Russian Imperial House, Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, to High Eminence, Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, Chairman of the Divisin of External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, on the Occasion of the 60-th Anniversary of His Ordination

From the Head of the Russian Imperial House

Madrid, 20 November 2006

To His Eminence Metropolitan Kirill Of Smolensk and Kaliningrad

Your Eminence, Dear Metropolitan!

I send my heartfelt congratulations to You on the occasion of the 60-th anniversary of your ordination.

This unbroken spiritual connection between You and Our House, established 15 years ago during the first visit to the Motherland of my father, Grand Duke Wladimir Kirillovich, now reposed in the Lord, is very dear to Me. From the bottom of My heart, I wish Your Eminence health, much success in your labors, spiritual strength in all your affairs, and many years of life in the service of the Holy Church and of the Fatherland.

My August Mother, Grand Duchess Leonida Georgievna, and My Son and Heir, Grand Duke Georgii Mikhailovich, also send their congratulations and their warmest regards.

Asking your archpastoral prayers and blessing, I remain Yours sincerely,

H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna