October 29, in Moscow a souvenir sheet’s “The Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society” cancellation ceremony was held. The souvenir sheet was dedicated to the 150th anniversary of birth of the Grand Duchess Elizaveta Feodorovna, who headed the Society in 1905-1917.
The participants of the ceremony were Oleg Dukhovnitskiy, Head of the Federal Communications Agency; Sergei Stepashin, Chairman of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society; and Anna Gromova, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Foundation for Assistance to revive the traditions of charity “Elisabeth Sergius educational society”.
In his welcome speech Oleg Dukhovnitsky said, “March 23, we signed an agreement on cooperation between our organizations and in 7 months we have already mentioned the release of a souvenir sheet. Today the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society is doing extensive work to strengthen the spiritual connection between Russia and the Holy land, conducts educational, humanitarian, scientific work and, importantly, consolidates the efforts of the state, society and the Church in this area. And I am pleased that the Federal Communications Agency did not remain on the sidelines and has contributed to the process of restoring historical justice in the preservation of spiritual and cultural values of Russia in the Holy Land”.
Sergei Stepashin in his speech thanked the leadership of the Federal Communications Agency for the release of a souvenir sheet.
Anna Gromova announced the upcoming events: “At the moment we are preparing anniversary celebrations at homeland of Grand Princess - in the German city of Darmstadt. It is assumed that “Elisabeth days in Darmstadt” include holding the International scientific conference “Elisabeth legacy today”, participants will be scholars and public figures from Europe, America and Australia, as well as representatives from various dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church. And the issue of the souvenir sheet is a great gift to all the participants”.
Stamp depicts Saint Martyr Grand Duchess Elizaveta Feodorovna, the sign of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society and Sergey House in Jerusalem; an eastern landscape and a caravan going to the city are depicted in the margin.
An illustrated cover has been prepared for the release with a souvenir sheet and a first day cover with cancellation (Moscow).
Artist: VA Nikonov.
Design: A. Ivanov.
Face value: 20 RUB each postal stamp.
Size of souvenir sheet: 127 × 92 mm, size of stamps in the sheet: 37 × 48 mm.
Circulation: 70 thousand souvenir sheets.