440. Всеподданнейшее приветственное письмо Государю Императору Александру Николаевичу, при вступлении Его в Успенский Собор

(Written in the Gethsemane Skete, offered on August 15; printed in the Wanderer, 1865) And this summer You remembered Your ancient capital with favor. She is illuminated by the light of Your vision. Among the peaceful waves of Your faithful people, among the loud exclamations of their joy, You march to the church of Your Royal wedding. Enjoying Your sight, Your people, at the same time, embrace Your newly emerging heir with longing gazes. The celebratory Church opens its gates to You in reverence. I was not given, as before, the consolation of meeting You, Most Pious Sovereign, at the gates of the church, and uniting my humble prayer with Your royal prayer. “Let my soul submit to God” (Ps. 61:6). However, by the grace of God, I still have the consolation left - from the depths of the desert to extend to You a word of reverent sympathy and from the depths of my heart to lift up a prayerful voice to the Almighty. May He graciously accept Your desires and through them may He bless Your people and Your Kingdom. May there be in them, according to the word of the Prophet, works of righteousness - peace, good deeds - a source of well-being. May the all-merciful Providence protect You and Your blessed Heir as a sure guarantee of unity, firmness, improvement, and prosperity of Russia forever. You might be interested in: