MOSCOW: 18 December, 2024
Patriarchal congratulations to Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York on his 50th birthday

Your Eminence, beloved in the Lord Vladyka!

Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your 50th anniversary, together with prayerful wishes for peace of soul and abundant grace-filled help from the All-Merciful Savior in your archpastoral labors.

For many years you have stood before the throne of the incorruptible, invisible, one Omniscient God, the King of Ages (1 Timothy 1:17), and with trepoidation you offer Him the Bloodless Sacrifice. It is gratifying to witness that all this time, showing care for the verbal flock of Christ, you have been trying to set a personal example of living according to the Gospel and faith working through love (Galatians 5:6).

By the ineffable Providence of the Almighty, two years ago you were called to the lofty and responsible service of the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, which you strive to perform with zeal for the glory of the Lord, caring for the universal development of community life in the parishes and for the affirmation of the flock entrusted to you in all piety and purity.

Through the intercession of the Queen of Heaven, may the All-Merciful God preserve you in good health and spiritual vigor for many years.

With love in Christ,

+KIRILL,
PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA