The Head of the House of Romanoff sent Greetings to the Participants and the Organizers of the Fifth International Academic Conference “At the Origins of Russian Statehood,” which took place in Kaluga

Greetings from the Head of the Russian Imperial House, H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria of Russia, to the participants and organizers of the Fifth International Academic Conference “At the Origins of Russian Statehood”

I send my heartfelt greetings to the participants and organizers of the Fifth International Academic Conference “At the Origins of Russian Statehood,” which is dedicated to the Year of Russian History, the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, and to the coming 400th anniversary of the ending of the Time of Troubles and the all-national election to the throne of Our House.

Many of the events that took place in and around the city of Kaluga played a key role in the establishment, rebirth, and strengthening of the sovereignty of our state, and in the defense of the Motherland against foreign enemies. It is particularly appropriate, then, that Kaluga has become now the traditional site for an academic conference devoted to the study of historical and current issues of Russian statehood.

For the past five years now, the conference “At the Origins of Russian Statehood” has become a significant event in the cultural, academic, and social life of Russia, providing proof of the widespread interest in the historical legacy of our nation and of the sincere desire to preserve that legacy. In our day, when there have risen so many threats to the spiritual and moral foundations of the family, the state, and society, it has never been more important to refer to the experience of the past and to its creative developments.

My son and heir, Grand Duke George of Russia, joins me in sending you all these greetings, and in expressing our sincere appreciation for your efforts.

May the Lord bless you.

The original is signed in Her Imperial Highness’s own hand:

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

Madrid
May 25, 2012