In his congratulation letter to president-elect Barack Obama, Victor Yushchenko used an archaic title reserved for top generals and their civil counterparts in tsarist Russia.

The Ukrainian President wished good health and success to “His High Excellency” Barack Obama.

The title he used – “Vashe Visokoprevoskhoditelstvo” – dates back to the times of Peter the Great and his reform of civil and military service. The system he introduced codified career ladders for Russian noblemen, their wages, titles and proper ways to address them. The address that Yushchenko used was reserved for the top two ranks.

While diplomatic protocol still endorses salutations like “Your Majesty” when dealing with heads of monarchies, the republic of the United States isn’t enthusiastic about this style. A proper address to Senator Obama, once he is inaugurated, will be “Dear Mr. President”, according to the U.S. State Department site.

Meanwhile Victor Yushchenko’s website changed the dubious salutation into an arguably even more dubious one. Now the letter published on his official website starts with “Vasha Visokopochtennost” – or Your High Esteemed – another example of an archaic style of address.