The Head of the House of Romanoff has sent her congratulations to Metropolitan Arsenii of Istra on the 25th anniversary of his elevation to the episcopacy

From the Head of the Russian Imperial House

To His Eminence Metropolitan Arsenii of Istra
First Vicar of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Russia

Your Eminence, dear Metropolitan Arsenii,

I send my heartfelt congratulations to you on the 25th anniversary of your elevation to the episcopacy.

Having since youth chosen a path of service to the Holy Church, you were elevated to the dignity of bishop on the 400th anniversary of the establishment of the Patriarchate in Russia. For many years, you were the faithful assistant to His Holiness Patriarch Aleksei II, and now you remain a reliable pillar of support for His Holiness Patriarch Kirill.

Your efforts to help maintain the orderly life of the Church in Moscow, your contributions to the new discoveries of relics of Russia’s great saints, your scholarly publishing activities—all these works will forever remain a vital part of the history of the Orthodox Church. We also remember with warmth and gratitude how you were the first archpastor of the Moscow Patriarchate to welcome my parents to Russia during their visit to St. Petersburg in November 1991: the first meeting between the Head of Our House and a Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church since the days of Peter the Great.

I wish you health, many years, and God’s help in all your endeavors for the good of the Church and the nation.

My son and Heir, Grand Duke George of Russia, also sends you his heartfelt congratulations.

Asking your archpastoral prayers and blessing, I remain yours very sincerely and respectfully,

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

Madrid, September 22/October 5, 2014