Greetings from the Head of the Russian Imperial House, Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, to the Publishers of the Photo Album Kostromskaia ikona, 9 December 2004

Dear friends!

I send you my heartfelt greetings on the day of publication of the fundamentally important publication, Kostromskaia ikona.

The residents of the city of Kostroma and its environs have long been distinguished by their strong religious faith, their devotion to national traditions, and by their self-sacrifice. It is precisely these qualities that have made Kostroma so vitally important in the history of Our Great Fatherland. The book Kostromskaia ikona is a symbolic monument to many generations of residents of the city who have dedicated their lives to the establishment of Orthodoxy, the defense of ancient Russian ideals, and to the service of their region.

May the Lord bless you all through the prayers of His Most Pure Mother and the prayers of St. Ipatius, bishop of Gangra—the Heavenly protector of your holy city and of Our Dynasty! 

H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna

Issued in Madrid, 9 December 2004