The Head of the House of Romanoff has sent a letter to His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill, notifying him of the Death of H.I.H. Dowager Grand Duchess Leonida Georgievna

From the Head of the Russian Imperial House

To His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill
of Moscow and All Russia

Your Holiness!

It is with enormous sadness that I must notify you that, last night, the Lord called to Himself my most august mother, H.I.H. Dowager Grand Duchess Leonida Georgievna.

Humbly bowing before the will of the Most High, I ask Your Holiness to pray for the repose of her soul.

From the time of her first meeting with you in November 1991 in St. Petersburg, my mother held in her heart the most genuine and deep love for you. Every conversation, every time you prayed together, was for her a tremendous source of joy. It was truly providential that her last visit to Russia was to the Smolensk Eparchy, which was at that time under your archpastoral care. And when her health prevented her from making further visits to Russia, your touching letters, so full of kindness and tender concern, brought her comfort and spiritual strength.

Our confidence in Your Holiness’s prayerful and pastoral support gives me and my son and heir, Grand Duke Georgii Mikhailovich, the strength to endure this sorrow that has befallen us. We very much hope that circumstances will permit you to take part in one of the Divine Services for the repose and commemoration of her soul.

Asking your first-hierarchical blessing, and praying for your health and for many years on this, your Name Day, I remain yours faithfully and truly,

H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria Wladimirovna

Madrid, 11/24 May 2010
Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Cyril and Methodius, Teachers of the Slavs