Congratulatory Address by members of the Holy Synod to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill on 50th anniversary of his episcopal ordination

DECR Communication Service, 14/03/2026

Members of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church congratulated His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’, on the 50^th anniversary of his episcopal consecration.

At this light-giving season of Lent, granted unto us by the Lord (cf. Matins on Wednesday in the First Week of Lent), we wholeheartedly congratulate you on a memorable jubilee – the 50^th anniversary of your episcopal ordination.

Half a century ago, eager to devote your whole self to serving Christ the Saviour, with spiritual awe you uttered the words of your Confession of Faith. Ever since, you have been faithful to your episcopal oath, fulfilling with zeal the promises you gave, knowing that the Lord Himself helps you as you rule in truth eagerness (The Order for Episcopal Ordination).

In the current trying circumstances, as the archfiend is sowing discord and enmity and those of darkened mind and hardened heart are tearing up the robe of Christ (Prayer for Holy Rus’), fulfilling the promises once made truly becomes an act of confession. Preserving the peace of the Church (The Order for Episcopal Ordination) in this situation would be impossible without the help of God Almighty and without your selfless love for the people of God, which inspires you to devote every effort to your ministry. Never sparing yourself, you work tirelessly to ensure that schisms, superstitions and heresies do not multiply (The Order for Episcopal Ordination), that enemies of Orthodoxy are unmasked and disgraced, and that the faithful children of the Church do not get confused or complain, but preserve spiritual peace and like-mindedness. With your clear words and convincing deeds you inspire your contemporaries to stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by opponents (cf. Phil 1:27). As they hearken to and look at you, archpastors, pastors, monastics and laypeople strive to imitate you in faith, courage, fortitude, zeal and determination.

With unflagging attention, you oversee the development of church life in various domains of God, including quite remote ones. You undertake Primatial visits to numerous dioceses of our Church, consecrate new churches, meet with clergy and representatives of secular authorities and engage in discussions on important issues of parish life, giving every possible support in resolving them. You do everything within your power to keep the promise you made during your episcopal ordination to devote attention to and supervise the flock entrusted to you in accordance with traditions of the Apostles, that the faithful, especially priests, may abide in faith and perform good works (The Order for Episcopal Ordination).

Mindful that millions of people listen to you, and fully aware of great responsibility it entails, you deliver homilies and boldly preach the word of God (cf. Acts 4:29), addressing it not only to those who set their hopes on Christ, but also to those who have not yet embraced Him in their heart. You devote considerable effort so that in our people faith may grow abundantly, and the love of every one for one another increase (cf. 2 Thess 1:3), so that our contemporaries may behold that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son (1 Jn 511).

It is gratifying that blessed times have come, when our country’s authorities support the Church’s initiatives and work together with it in upholding and strengthening spiritual and moral values of traditional importance to our people. Such good and fruitful church-state cooperation has become possible largely thanks to your efforts. God willing, may it continue this way.

On this day of spiritual celebration for you and the plenitude of our Church, we prayerfully wish you renewal of your bodily and spiritual strength, joy in spirit and unceasing help from God Almighty in your lofty and responsible Patriarchal service.

Many and good years to Your Holiness!

Eis Polla Eti Despota

Members of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church

Moscow, 14^th March 2026