NEW YORK: 23 May 2022
Condolences from the Head of the Russian Imperial Family

To His Eminence Metropolitan Mark
of Berlin and Germany
To the Members of the Synod of Bishops,
the Clergy and Flock of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia:

Your Eminence, Honorable Archpastors, Pastors, Dear Brothers and Sisters:

It was with great sorrow that I heard the news of the repose of the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York.

The late Vladyka devoted his whole life from childhood to serving the Holy Church. His name will always remain part of the history of the Russian Diaspora and of Russia. Metropolitan Hilarion’s contribution to the reestablishment of unity of the Russian Church was immeasurable. He always displayed hi love and prayerful support to Our Family, and a deep understanding of our mission in today’s world. For us his death is not only a loss of an eminent Hierarch, but of a very close spiritual friend and guide.

I, my son and heir Grand Duke Georii Mikhailovich and his wife, Most Excellent Duchess Viktoria Romanovna express our profound condolences and pray that the Lord grant rest to His newly-reposed servant, Metropolitan Hilarion, where there is no sickness, nor sorrow nor sighing.

Maria
HIH GRAND DUCHESS MARIA VLADIMIROVNA

Read the original Russian letter here.