We announce the following to all Our faithful subjects:

Our Beloved Aunt, Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna, having recognized and experienced, in accord with her husband, the truth of Orthodoxy, has desired, at Her own spiritual prompting, to unite with Us in the Faith and in the life of prayer and Sacraments of the Church. Today, to Our great joy, she has embraced our Orthodox faith and received Holy Chrismation. Announcing this much desired event to all Our loyal subjects, We decree that Her Imperial Highness now be styled the Pious Grand Duchess [as befits an Orthodox member of the Russian Imperial Family].

(The original has been signed in His Imperial Majesty’s own hand:)

Nicholas