On September 20, 2024, Mitered Archpriest Michael Protopopov turned 80 years old. Fr. Michael is the rector of the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Dandenong, Australia; Dean of the Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand; Chair of the Association of the Imperial Order of St. Michael the Archangel; and the chaplain of the social organization “For Faith and Fatherland.”

For biographical details, see: https://imperialhouse.ru/rus/extra/spodvizhniki-doma-romanovykh/protopopov-mikhail-alekseevich-protoierej.html.

• Fr. Michael Protopopov Fr. Michael Protopopov
• The Head of the Imperial House of Russia, H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria; Archbishop Hilarion; and Archpriest Michael Protopopov (Australia, 2007) The Head of the Imperial House of Russia, H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria; Archbishop Hilarion; and Archpriest Michael Protopopov (Australia, 2007)
• Patriarch Kirill and Archpriest Michael Protopopov Patriarch Kirill and Archpriest Michael Protopopov
• 2024-09-20 Fr. Michael Protopopov’s Certificate for the Order of St. Sergius of Radonezh 2024-09-20 Fr. Michael Protopopov’s Certificate for the Order of St. Sergius of Radonezh
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Marking this important date, and in recognition of his service to the Orthodox Church, the nation, and Imperial dynasty, the Head of the Russian Imperial House, H.I.H. The Grand Duchess Maria of Russia, awarded Fr. Michael the Imperial Order of St. Vladimir, Second Class, and issued an Imperial Rescript in his name.

While in Russia on the eve of his birthday, Fr. Michael was received by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. His Holiness extended his warm congratulations to Fr. Michael and presented him the insignia of the Church’s Order of St. Sergius of Radonezh, First Class.

Below is the text of the letter sent by Her Imperial Highness to Fr. Michael Protopopov on the occasion of his 80^th birthday:

FROM THE HEAD OF THE IMPERIAL HOUSE OF RUSSIA

To Mitered Archpriest Michael Protopopov

Dear Fr. Michael,

I send my heartfelt congratulations to you on your 80^th birthday!

With the deepest appreciation for your service to the Holy Church, the nation, and Our House, I wish you good health, spiritual and physical strength, and God’s blessing in all your pastoral duties and social, educational, and charitable activities. May God grant you many years and blessings.

I always remember with gratitude the times we met in Russia and during my visit to Australia, which you arranged with love and kindness. I especially appreciate your hard work for the Imperial Order of St. Michael the Archangel and in helping to grow and sustain its charitable activities.

On the eve of your 80^th birthday, I was pleased to sign a decree awarding you the Imperial Order of St. Vladimir, Second Class.

My son and heir, Grand Duke George of Russia, and his spouse, Princess Victoria Romanovna, join me in congratulating you on your birthday.

Asking your holy prayers and blessing, and assuring you I my respect and affection, I remain

Yours very sincerely,

MARIA

H.I.H. The Grand Duchess Maria of Russia

Madrid

7/20 September 2024