Department for External Church Relations
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Metropolitan Hilarion greets Primate of Serbian Orthodox Church with 9th anniversary of his enthronement
Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, sent a message of greetings to the Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Patriarch Irinej, on the 9th anniversary of his enthronement.
Your Holiness,
Please accept my heartfelt greetings with the anniversary of your elevation to the Patriarch Throne of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
You were called to Primatial ministry at a difficult time, when the Serbian people, facing new challenges and ordeals, were in pressing need of spiritual encouragement and exhortation.
By your inspiring Primatial word you strengthen the pastors and the flock entrusted to your care in observing the Gospel commandments, calling on them “to contend for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3), to be worthy heirs of the righteous paternal traditions and to cherish the Serbian historical heritage in Kosovo and Metohija.
An Angel of the Serbian Orthodox Church, you are a visible symbol of its unity, spiritual father and guide for millions of believers. With apostolic zeal and paternal care you visit your flock in every corner of the earth in order to “gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad” (Jn 11:52), inspiriting them to live in fraternal unity and faithfulness to the Christian duty.
On numerous occasions you visited the Russian Orthodox Church, having done much for developing the bilateral relations. You openly and courageously raise your voice in defence of the persecuted canonical Church in Ukraine, striving to preserve the unity of the universal Orthodoxy.
On this day of celebration I prayerfully wish Your Holiness blessed bodily strength, bountiful joy in the Lord and His unceasing help in your lofty Patriarchal service.
With respectful love in the Lord,
| /+Hilarion/
Metropolitan of Volokolamsk Chairman Department for External Church Relations Moscow Patriarchate |
Patriarch
Department Chairman
Sermons
24.01.2021
06.11.2020