The Head of the Russian Imperial House, H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, offered Her congratulations to E. K. Nikiforov, the Chairman of the Orthodox society “Radonezh,” on the occasion of his 50-th birthday, and awarded him the Order of St. Anna (second degree)

From the Head of the Russian Imperial House 

Madrid, 9 February 2005

To Our Special Representative for
Social and Charitable Affairs, Chairman of
The Orthodox society “Radonezh,”
E. K. Nikiforov 

Dear Evgenii Konstantinovich!

I send my heartfelt congratulations to you on your 50-th birthday and send best wishes for your health, spiritual fortitude, and strength in your service to the Russian Orthodox Church, to the Fatherland, and to Our House.

I am aware of all your various endeavors for the rebirth of Orthodox spirituality and culture, and how much time you have devoted to charitable works and how actively you participate in the educational programs of the Holy Church. I especially value the weightiness of your positions, the rare ability to combine adherence to tradition with your receptiveness to innovation, and your readiness to offer an honest response to the challenges presented by the modern secular and impious world. By your efforts, you have prevented attempts to remove Faith from governmental and social life and have given a voice to the “spiritual reservations” of believers. The most important result that you have achieved is more than just a dialogue with your opponents, but a genuine strengthening and development of the religious and national consciousness of your readers, listeners, and participants in the projects you have organized, particularly among young people.

May the Lord grant you many blessed years. My August Mother, Grand Duchess Leonida Georgievna, and My Son and Heir, Grand Duke Georgii Mikhailovich, send their congratulations and wish you and your colleagues all good tidings.

Ever yours sincerely, 

H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna