Alexandra's letter to S. V. Markoff, year 1917

S. V. Markoff was a 19 year old officer of Her Majesty's Crimean Cavalry Regiment. He was wounded during the First World War and was placed in the Liazonov Hospital, where Alexandra and her daughters often visited him. She wrote this letter to him in March 1917, shortly after her husband's forced abdication and the family's being put under house arrest.

Source:

http://www.pravmir.com/royal-martyr-tsarina-alexandra-selective-writings/

The letter:

When your heart is so burdened and you are terribly sad — do not despair, my Little One. Remember that there is someone who understands you better than you know yourself, and who each day prays steadfastly to God for you. You are not alone — do not fear to live; the Lord will hear your prayers and will help console you and make you strong. Preserve your faith pure and child-like, and even when you are grown up, remain in this a child.

It is painful and difficult to live, but ahead lies light and joy, peace and the reward for all suffering and torment. Go your way forthrightly, look not to right or left; and if you do not see the stone by which you fall, do not be afraid and do not lose heart. Get up and continue to go forward. Painful things occur, the soul may be heavy, but grief purifies us. Remember the life and sufferings of our Saviour, and your own life will not seem as dark to you as you thought. We have a single goal toward which we are all striving, let us help each other find the way.

Christ is with you, do not be afraid, "It is the beginning of the end," you said — yes, Little One, but not quite — your new friend will not forget you, her soul will always be near, and will always and everywhere follow you and protect you from every evil, with prayers. Always be the knight that you wanted to be.
Ch. **
Tsarkoye Selo, March 1917

Above: Alexandra.