The Head of the House of Romanoff Has Sent Her Greetings to the Participants of the Memorial Services and Other Events Held in Connection with the 50-th Anniversary of the Blessed Repose of Grand Duchess Xenia Aleksandrovna and Grand Duchess Olga Aleksandrovna, the Most August Sisters of the Holy Passion-Bearer, Emperor Nicholas II

From the Head of the Russian Imperial House

Dear Countrymen!

Fifty years ago, in the course of a single year, the Lord called unto Himself Grand Duchess Xenia Aleksandrovna and Grand Duchess Olga Aleksandrovna, the most august sisters of the Holy Passion-Bearer Tsar Nicholas II.

In accordance with the traditions of our House, these daughters of the great Emperor Alexander III the Peacemaker had devoted themselves from their childhood to the service of others. Many and various charitable organizations benefited from their tireless sponsorship of their activities for the less fortunate. During the First World War, Grand Duchess Xenia Aleksandrovna and Grand Duchess Olga Aleksandrovna courageously and selflessly helped the defenders of the Fatherland, working to alleviate the suffering of soldiers at the front, tending to the wounded and maimed, and offering assistance to the families of those who gave their lives for Faith, Tsar, and Fatherland.

Finding themselves in forced exile after the revolution of 1917, and having lost in the bloody and tragic events of the Civil War both of their brothers, many cousins, and many other relatives and dear friends, the Grand Duchesses, nonetheless, remained true to their Fatherland and continued, as much as they could, to fulfill their royal duties. They endured terribly bitter and difficult circumstances, yet they always found within themselves the strength to offer comfort to those around them who were in need or sorrow.

I thank you for the respect you have shown to the memory of the Pious Grand Duchesses Xenia Aleksandrovna and Olga Aleksandrovna, and I ask that you will always pray, asking the Lord to remit their trespasses, voluntary and involuntary, and that He will reward them for their love, labors, and suffering.

[To the original is affixed the signature of Her Imperial Highness:]

Maria
H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria Wladimirovna

Issued in Madrid
11/24 November 2010

Certifying as identical to the original:
A.N. Zakatov
Director of H.I.H.’s Chancellery