Who wants to prove that the sun shines and warms? that its rays work good on all things and on everyone? To insist upon this is unnecessary. It is evident. I also think it superfluous to insist upon praise to our never-to-be-forgotten Grand Duke Constantine. We Russians should well remember his many-sided talents, which so often have manifested themselves: his fascinating pen, his magic strength, his thoughtful kindness, can only compare with his unlimited devotion, heart, and soul to his country. And how deeply he realized in what consists precisely such devotion! To love Russia, to sacrifice everything to her was his dogma.

These words contained a multiplicity of meanings, in them also entered a boundless devotion to the Orthodox Church and to the Russian Monarchy. For him, as also for us all, these sacred convictions are indissolubly bound and ought to work beneficially on our theory of life. When God sent him one of the heaviest trials—the death of his beloved son who gave such specially brilliant hopes and who, notwithstanding his youth, had already realized them in many respects—the Grand Duke showed indeed how he knew to submit with resignation to the will of the Almighty.

Whoever has undergone a great sorrow, knows how difficult it is not to lose strength of spirit, Christian courage and patience in the heavy moments of such partings! Yes, the memory of the Grand Duke ought ever to be present with us, his example acts soothingly on the oppressed spirit! But are there many people in this world who do not know great sorrow, and who do not need great moral support?

I would say; “Do not think of yourself, work uninterruptedly for the sake of those near to you, unfold within yourself all the problems of the faculties for work—this helps!” But my advice is not sufficient. We need a practical example, our never to be forgotten Grand Duke has given a more than convincing example!

I cannot help thinking that at the root of his varied activity lay the idea contained in the beautiful sacred words of the Metropolitan Filaret when he wished to explain to our greatest poet Poushkin in what consisted our real duty to God. Here are the far reaching words:

To perceive Him in creation,

To see with the spirit,

To honour with the heart, 

That is the object of life!

That is what it means to live in God!