The House of Romanov grieves over the death of head of
the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Alexy II, Alexander Zakatov, chief of
the office of the head of the house Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna has said.
"This is a terrible blow for all Orthodox
Christians. The imperial family lost its spiritual father and elder wise
friend," Zakatov said.
"Deep filial love connected the Grand Duchess with
the patriarch. From the very start when her father, Grand Duke Vladimir
Kirillovich was still alive the Patriarch accepted the royal family and always
supported it in his prayers and with his prudent advice. During all these years
when members of the royal family could visit their homeland the Patriarch was
the first person whom they turned to for advice and support," Zakatov
said.