Русская Версия

December 5, 2010
Moscow: Patriarchal Congratulations to Metropolitan Hilarion on the 35th Anniversary of his Clerical Service

 

To His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion,
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,
President of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Church Abroad

 

Your Eminence, beloved in the Lord!

 

I sincerely congratulate you on the portentous occasion of the 35th anniversary of your ordination to the diaconate, prayerfully wishing you strength and God’s aid in your archpastoral labors.

 

Christians are at all times called to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-14). In bearing witness to Truth and proclaiming the acceptable year of the Lord, we all – archpastors, pastors, monastics, and laity of the One Russian Orthodox Church – must in word and deed, and with good regard for our neighbor, demonstrate " the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).

 

This is especially important today, when Christian values, spiritual and moral traditions, and centuries-old foundations are being supplanted in our society. Our mission lies in the enlightenment of our peers through the light of the Gospel, in the creation and dissemination of Christian communities, in the proclamation of God’s Truth. And it is especially joyous for me to see that you pay special mind to this salvific service of the Church.

 

I express my hope that, God willing, you will continue in future years, with constant sincerity and love, hope and responsibility, to perform that arduous labor assigned to you by Christ, the Chief Shepherd.

 

It is my pleasure and duty to grant you a commemorative panagia on the occasion of this noted anniversary.

 

Through the intercessions of the Heavenly Queen, whose Entry into the Temple the Holy Church now celebrates, may the Lord preserve you in good health for many and good years.

 

With love in Christ,

 +KYRILL

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese