TO GRAND DUCHESS MARIA OF RUSSIA
HEAD OF THE RUSSIAN IMPERIAL HOUSE
DEAR MARIA VLADIMIROVNA,
I offer my heartfelt congratulations on this significant moment in your life.
Your fruitful activities in promoting Christian moral values, preserving the best traditions of Russian culture, and promoting the spiritual heritage of Orthodoxy in Western society cannot help but evoke a feeling of gratitude and respect.
Both at home and abroad, you are known as a warm and generous person. Manifesting “faith working through love” (Gal. 5:6), you contribute to the realization of innumerable charitable, educational, and patriotic programs. I would especially like to note your efforts to support the mission of the Russian Orthodox Church.
I wish you good health, peace of heart, and God’s help in all your good endeavors.
Respectfully,
+KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA
For the original Russian, see: http://www.patriarchia.ru/db/text/6086651.html