On 20 August 2020, on the day of the repose of Tsaritsa Anastasia Romanovna (d. 7/20 August 1560), Alexander N. Zakatov, Director of the Chancellery of the Head of the Russian Imperial House, H.I.H. The Grand Duchess Maria of Russia, who was on a working trip to the Altai Territory, presided at an investiture ceremony during which Imperial orders, letters patent, and other awards were presented.
The ceremony took place in the city of Biysk, in the administration building of the Altai Ecclesiastical Mission, in the chapel of the St. John of Kronstadt Orthodox School. The ceremony was preceded by an intercessory prayer service, or moleben, for the health of the Grand Duchess Maria of Russia and her heir, the Tsesarevich and Grand Duke George of Russia, officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan Sergei of Barnaul and Altai, along with other clergy of the diocese.
After the service, Metropolitan Sergei gave a brief sermon to all in attendance.
Then, on behalf of the Head of the House of Romanoff, Alexander Zakatov presented letters patent to the President of the pharmaceutical company "Altayvitamins," Yu. A. Koshelev, PhD, conferring upon him the honorary status of "Supplier to the Russian Imperial House," in recognition of his more than 40 years of service and leadership as head of this important firm.
The Director of Her Imperial Highness’s Chancellery also presented the silver Imperial medal “In Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Great War of 1914-1918” to His Eminence Metropolitan Sergius of Barnaul and Altai. This award recognizes the Metropolitan’s efforts to preserve and honour the memory of the soldiers of the 92nd Pechora Infantry Regiment and other defenders of the Fatherland.
Alexander Zakatov also awarded the insignia of the Imperial Order of St. Anna and the Imperial hereditary medals “In Commemoration of the 400th Anniversary of the House of Romanoff: and “Anniversary of Nation’s Victory, 1613-2013” to prominent figures in science, culture and philanthropy in the Altai Territory.
He also presented books on the history and modern-day activities of the Imperial House of Romanoff to Metropolitan Sergei and to the library of the St. John of Kronstadt Orthodox School.
After the conclusion of the ceremony, the Director of the St. John of Kronstadt Orthodox School, N. I. Afonin, hosted a reception, during which the conversation revolved around the ongoing and expanding cooperation between the Russian Orthodox Church, the Russian Imperial House and the public in the fields of charity and education.
