Cooke, Bev. Royal Monastic: Princess Ileana of Romania, the Story of Mother Alexandra Published: 2011 Translation from English by Luminita Irina Niculescu Proposing us to read, page by page, the story of a brave and fascinating princess, Ileana of Romania, who for the last thirty years of her earthly life donned the monastic attire, the present book describes the Princess’ destiny with its ups and downs, its lights and shadows, little known to the post-war generations. Those who have heard of her, however, fail to understand why Her Royal Highness Princess Ileana became a nun during her last thirthy years of life, as Mother Alexandra, why she founded an Orthodox monastery on US territory (dedicating it to the feast of Lord’s Transfiguration) – and they shrug their shoulders in perplexion… This book provides the key for understanding a life setting an example needed by every Romanian, since we all need to cleanse our minds and souls, redefine our values and models, to be “transfigured” too, receiving in our souls the story of this great Lady, who always knew how to love her country, how to retain her dignity during harsh times, how to do her duty as a human being and how to accomplish her self-sacrificial work. Format: 13 x 20 cm; 264 p. ISBN: 978-973-136-276-2 «« back