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DISCLAIMER


NOBILITY TITLES

     Since the 1917 October Revolution Russia has been a republic (not a monarchy), so nobility titles do not exist in this country de jure, nor are they recognized officially by the Russian Federation Government.
     Nobility titles in modern Russia no longer give the bearer any privileges, preferences or prerogatives.

     For this reason, and strictly according to its Statutes, the Russian College of Heraldry deals exclusively with Coats of Arms as such, i.e. only with pure heraldry.
     The CHR has never, formerly or presently, been authorized to confer nobility titles upon anyone, nor to recognize the same as appertaining to somebody in any official way or manner.

     Traditionally, however, being greatly honoured and respected by all the layers of Russian society, nobility titles are de facto frequently used unofficially, as Courtesy Titles rewarded for personal services to many decent and esteemed people whose rights to the title are duly confirmed by the proper documents.

     We must emphasize the fact that the arbitration or resolution of such a delicate dispute as someone`s right to a nobility title, or any kind of official recognition or denial of the said rights, lies beyond the authorization, competence and practice of the Russian College of Heraldry.

SUPPORTERS

     According to Russian tradition, persons of high social standing, nobility, companions of chivalric orders, military and naval officers, and others of the similar calibre, enjoy the right to have their Armorial Bearings augmented with the inclusion of two supporters.

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP

     Some individuals who have contributed greatly to the cause of the revival of Russia`s heraldry may be enrolled as Honorary Members of the CHR. Such distinguished persons receive from the Presidium of the Russian College of Heraldry a beautiful Honorary Membership Diploma written in Latin, properly sealed and signed.

FONS HONORUM

     We must empasize, that the Russian College of Heraldry, as an institution, functions NOT because of the initial high patronage of the Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich, but by virtue of the official registration with the Russia`s Ministry of Justice. The Grand Duke`s high patronage was only an honorific episode during the initial stages of this College's development, of which episode we are very much proud, and nothing more.
     We have never claimed to be acting either in the name, or on behalf, of the Russian Imperial Family.

REFUSAL

     The Russian College of Heraldry provides its services on a mutual consent basis, but the CHR Presidium reserves the right to reject without explanation any application which it considers unfit and inappropriate for acceptance as a heraldic commission.
     We must also emphasize that it is the CHR policy not to confirm or deny any information which may be displayed on Internet websites with regards to the Russian College of Heraldry.