FROM THE HEAD OF THE IMPERIAL HOUSE OF RUSSIA
To His Holiness and Beatitude,
Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia
Your Holiness and Beatitude,
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your 90th birthday!
Your pious parents raised you in the spirit of loyalty to Orthodoxy and the historical traditions of Georgia. At a time of harsh persecution of the Faith, you chose a path of service to the Church of Christ. The coming year 2023 will mark the 60th anniversary of your episcopal ordination. In 1977, the Lord called you to preside over the Georgian Church and made you worthy to stand at its helm longer than all your predecessors. During your Patriarchate, a revival of Christian values has taken place in Georgia. You were able to end many conflicts and, by your prayers and the holy words, to bring an end to the enmity and distrust that had grown between fellow countrymen, which had been sown by the enemy of the human race. And now, in a new time of difficulty for global Orthodoxy, you have provided a steadfast example of love and wisdom.
I, my son and heir Grand Duke George of Russia, and his spouse Princess Victoria Romanovna, pray that the All-Merciful Lord will preserve you in good health and strength of spirit for many years!
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
Madrid, 22 December 2022/4 January 2023
Holy Great Martyr Anastasia the Alleviatrix of Captives
