His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia Sends His Congratulations to the Head of the House of Romanoff on Her 60th Birthday

To Her Imperial Highness,

Grand Duchess Maria of Russia,

Head of the Russian Imperial House

Your Imperial Highness,

Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your birthday.

For many of our countrymen, the Imperial House, of which you are the Head, is a symbol of a connection across generations and of the continuity of the spiritual and cultural foundations of our nation.

It is so very gratifying that, despite living outside of Russia, you have remained loyal to your historical homeland and to your Mother Church and have striven to preserve the traditions that were established by your ancestors. In engaging in social activities, in meeting with people of pergent views and beliefs, you are making a genuinely meaningful contribution to the strengthening of the unity of the Russian community. I would especially like to note the fruitful partnership between the Imperial House and the Russian Orthodox Church, visible proof of which was the joint celebration of the 400th anniversary of the ending of the Time of Troubles and the ascension of the Romanoff dynasty.

I wish you good health, spiritual peace, and God’s help in all your endeavors. May the Lord bless you in all things in your life.

With respect,

+Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia

For the original, see: http://www.patriarchia.ru/db/text/3477028.html