Letter from the Head of the Russian Imperial House, H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna to His Holiness Patriarch Alexis II of Moscow and All Russia

Ekaterinburg, 17 July 2003

To His Holiness, Patriarch Alexis II of Moscow and All Russia 

Your Holiness!

Being now in the sacred lands of Ekaterinburg for the dedication of the Cathedral of All Saints of Russia, which has been built on the site of the execution of the Royal Martyrs, I want to share with You my great spiritual joy at witnessing the long-awaited event.

I am very sad that circumstances did not permit Your Holiness to make the trip to Ekaterinburg. I fervently pray for Your speedy recovery. I hope to be able to see You and to pray with You at the celebration of the 100-th anniversary of the canonization of St. Seraphim of Sarov.

May the Lord grant You health and many years for the well-being of Our Church.

My August Mother and my Son have asked me to convey to Your Holiness their best wishes.

Asking your hierarchical prayers and blessings, I send my heartfelt affection and deep respect. 

H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna

Letter from the Head of the Russian Imperial House, H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna to H.S.H. Princess of the Imperial Blood Ekaterina Ioannovna

Alapaevsk, 18 July 2003

To H.S.H. Princess of the Imperial Blood Ekaterina Ioannovna, 

Your Serene Highness! My dear Aunt!

On this 85-th anniversary of the day of the martyrdom of Your father, His Highness, Prince of the Imperial Blood Ioann Constantinovich, I want You to know that You are very much in My thoughts this day. Today, the Lord blessed me to stand next to the mine shaft into which the brutal murderers cast, while still alive, Your father, his brothers, Prince Igor Constantinovich and Prince Constantine Constantinovich, the New Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna and the nun Barbara, Grand Prince Sergei Mikhailovich, and Prince V. P. Paley. Presently, at this very location, a church is being raised and thousands of pilgrims are streaming here to venerate the memory of the Martyrs of Alapaevsk.

The example of the unforgettable Prince Ioann Constantinovich is especially dear to Our Family thanks to the stories and remembrances his brother, Your uncle, Grand Prince Gavriil Constantinovich, who was a close friend and supporter of my grandfather and father, both now reposed in the Lord. The deep sincerity of faith in the Lord and selfless love for the Fatherland were the main qualities of Prince-Martyr Ioann. I firmly believe that the righteous life and martyr’s death of Your father has won for him the gift of intercession for all the Russian people before the Throne of Our Heavenly King. During these days of my visit to Russia, I have never before felt so vividly that the Lord has forgiven our People, and that, through the prayers of the Holy New Martyrs and Confessors, that He sends to us all renewed strength for the service of Russia.

Yours, with heartfelt affection, 

H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna