2016-05-03
The Head of the House of Romanoff sends her greetings to the organizers and participants of the memorial ceremonies in Belyov, marking the 190th anniversary of the death of Empress Elizabeth Alekseevna, consort of Emperor Alexander I

GREETINGS
From the Head of the Russian Imperial House
H.I.H. The Grand Duchess Maria of Russia
To the Organizers and Participants
of the Memorial Ceremonies in Belyov,
marking the 190th Anniversary of the Death
of Empress Elizabeth Alekseevna, Consort of Emperor Alexander I

CHRIST IS RISEN!

I send my heartfelt greetings to the organizers and participants of the memorial ceremonies in Belyov, marking the 190th anniversary of the death of Empress Elizabeth Alekseevna, consort of Emperor Alexander I, who reposed on May 4/17, 1826.

The life of Empress Elizabeth Alekseevna, the wise and loyal companion to her husband Emperor Alexander I the Blessed, who devoted herself selflessly to Russia and tirelessly to improving the lives of others, offers a striking example of love, generosity, humility, patience in the face of hardship, and the ability to forgive and to ask for forgiveness. The many misfortunes that befell Empress Elizabeth Alekseevna, about which St. Filaret, metropolitan of Moscow, famously spoke at her funeral, were accepted and endured by her with genuine Christian humility. She never lacked in her heart for faith, hope, and human kindness.

I wish to express my appreciation to the Women’s Orthodox Patriotic Society for their efforts to memorialize the memory of the Empress Elizabeth Alekseevna, the founder of the Society.

May our Risen Lord bless you and send down upon you His strength to serve the nation and all those in need.

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

Madrid, April 20/May 3, 2016