Department for External Church Relations
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Patriarchal greetings on the occasion of 60th anniversary of the Diocese of Vienna and Austria
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ has sent the following greetings to Bishop Alexy of Vienna and Austria, clergy and flock of the Diocese of Vienna and Austria on the occasion of its 60th
anniversary.
To: His Grace Bishop Alexy of Vienna and Austria,
clergy and flock of the Diocese of Vienna and Austria
Your Grace!
Venerable fathers, dear brothers and sisters!
I cordially greet all of you and congratulate you on the remarkable date – the 60th anniversary of the Diocese of Vienna and Austria of the Russian Orthodox Church.
During difficult post-war years when the Austrian state was being re-established, the Moscow Patriarchate had to put a great deal of effort for reviving church life in the country. Now we gratefully remember all concerned faithful thanks to whose zeal and diligence this spiritually meaningful feat had been accomplished with God’s aid. I would like to note in particular the labours of Bishop Melkhisedek (Lebedev) and Metropolitan Iriney (Susemihl), under whose pastoral guidance the diocese was successfully developing, while the best liturgical and parish traditions have been preserved and passed down during many years.
Good fruits are being brought by that which was started sixty years ago; the life of the diocese at present testifies to it. By common efforts of clergy and active laypersons the high level of parish, interchurch and cultural and educational activities is being maintained. For more than a century, the Vienna Cathedral of St. Nicholas of Myra in Lycia has been receiving pilgrims and visitors from different countries, remaining a place for prayers of a large multinational community and a visible symbol of eternal beauty and truth of Orthodoxy.
In 2012, the diocese obtained state registration that secured its presence in Austria and showed positive attitude of local authorities to its activities.
I prayerfully wish you, Your Grace, pastors and parishioners of the Diocese of Vienna and Austria to “never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit” (Rom 12:11), “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Eph 6:10), and to lead peaceable life pleasing to God “godly and respectful in every way” (1 Tim 2:2).
May the grace of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ be with us all.
+KIRILL
PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUS’
Sermons
24.01.2021
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