Department for External Church Relations
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DECR chairman sends greetings to Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople on the occasion of 25th anniversary of his Primatial ministry
Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, congratulated the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople on the 25th anniversary of his election to the Patriarchal throne. The text of the message is given below.
Your Holiness,
Please accept my respectful and cordial greetings on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of your election to the Patriarchal See of Constantinople.
Having ascended the throne of the Ecumenical Teachers and Holy Fathers, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, as well as St Photius the Great, whose name is associated with the mission of the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius, Equal-to-the-Apostles Enlighteners of the Slavs, you have become their successor in your Primatial ministry.
You have been at the helm of the Holy Church of Constantinople for a quarter of a century, taking the unceasing care of your blessed flock and striving in your zealous archpastoral labours to fulfill the Savour’s commandment, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Mt 5:16). The Orthodox Christians of Constantine’s City, as well as those faithful children of the Great Church of Christ who live in diasporas in other countries, see in you their father and good shepherd who is guiding the people of God entrusted to his wise care in “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness” (1 Tim 6:11).
Not only in the Christian world, but also among representatives of other religions and in the wider international circles, you are known as an active participant in the inter-Christian and interfaith dialogue, strongly committed to deepening mutual understanding among the people of different cultures and nationalities.
Lifting up my fervent prayers for the health and prosperity of Your Holiness always, and especially on this day of celebration, I convey to you my wishes of peace, physical and spiritual strength and God’s almighty help in your Patriarchal ministry.
With respect and love in the Lord,
/+Hilarion/
Metropolitan of Volokolamsk
Chairman
Department for External Church Relations
Moscow Patriarchate
Department Chairman
Sermons
24.01.2021
06.11.2020