On Sunday, July 13, 2025, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow was the setting for the baptism of Princess Kira Leonida Romanov, daughter of His Imperial Highness Grand Duke George Mikhailovich of Russia and Her Serene Highness Princess Victoria Romanovna.
Born on June 2, Kira was received into the Russian Orthodox Church in accordance with the tradition of baptism around the fortieth day after birth. The sacrament was administered by Archpriest Mikhail Ryazantsev with the blessing of the Patriarch, marking a solemn and joyful moment for the Imperial Family.
Among those named as godparents was His Royal Highness Crown Prince Davit Bagrationi Mukhran Batonishvili, Head of the Royal House of Georgia and a second cousin of Grand Duke George. Although unable to attend in person, his participation reflected the deep-rooted ties between the Romanov and Bagrationi dynasties.
The Princess’s name carries the legacy of both dynasties. “Kira” is a name long associated with the Romanovs, notably through Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna, who was both aunt and godmother to Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna. “Leonida” honors Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Leonida, born Her Royal Highness Princess Leonida Bagration-Mukhrani, a member of the Royal House of Georgia and the Mukhrani Royal Dynasty. Her marriage into the Romanov family represented a historic union, and her name now lives on in her great-granddaughter.
The date of the baptism held special meaning, coinciding with the Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel, a feast commemorating the divine messenger’s many appearances throughout sacred history. This added further spiritual significance to the occasion.
The Royal House of Georgia is proud to mark this joyful chapter and remains committed to honoring the shared heritage and faith that unite the two dynasties. Princess Kira begins her life surrounded by tradition, faith, and the enduring legacy of her ancestors.
May she be blessed and guided throughout all the years to come.