Department for External Church Relations
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His Holiness Patriarch Kirill greets Primate of Albanian Orthodox Church with his 90th birthday
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia greeted His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania with his 90th birthday.
His Beatitude Anastasios
Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania
Your Beatitude, Brother and Concelebrant Beloved in the Lord,
I wholeheartedly congratulate you on the significant date – your 90th birthday.
From your youth you have dedicated all your life to the proclamation of the Gospel seeking, like holy apostles did, to bear witness to Christ Crucified and Risen, even unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). The Lord of the world enjoined you to stand at the helm of the Albanian Orthodox Church which, with the Lord’s help, has raised in the past decades as if from non-existence after cruel persecution and which is carrying today the salvific light of faith to the people of the Republic of Albania. Having gained a rich experience of church service for the long years of work in God’s field, today you are the oldest among the Primates of Local Churches and enjoy respect throughout the Orthodox world, for, according to the word of Holy Scriptures, with the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding (Job 12:12).
Generally recognized is also your comprehensive academic work. Unfolded in it are your manifold talents with which you are generously endowed by the Giver of All Good Things. At a time difficult for the world Orthodoxy your contribution to the consolidation of unity among the Holy Churches of God is especially valuable.
I prayerfully wish Your Beatitude spiritual and physical strength, generous help from above and every success in your further Primatial work you carry out so zealously for the salvation of the verbal sheep of the flock of Christ.
With brotherly love in the Lord,
+ Kirill
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia
Patriarch
Department Chairman
Sermons
24.01.2021
06.11.2020