Patriarch Alexy sends a message of greeting to the participants of the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the victory in the battle of Stalingrad
5.02.2003 · English
PATRIARCH ALEXY SENDS A MESSAGE OF GREETING TO THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE CELEBRATIONS OF THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VICTORY IN THE BATTLE OF STALINGRAD
The 60th anniversary of the battle of Stalingrad, which became a turning-point in the Great Patriotic War, was celebrated on 2 February 2003. Dozens of thousands of people from all over the country and from abroad came to Volgograd. Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in the commemorative events for those who died in this great battle.
Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia sent a message of greetings to the participants of the jubilee celebrations. The full text of the message is given below.
To the participants of the jubilee celebrations
of the 60th anniversary of the victory in the battle
of Stalingrad
Volgograd, 2 February 2003
Dear participants in the celebrations,
Accept my heartfelt congratulations on the 60th anniversary of the victory in the battle of Stalingrad. Unfortunately, doctors did not allow me to take part in today’s celebrations.
The victory of our army in the Stalingrad Battle changed the course of the Great Patriotic War. The confidence of our compatriots in the banishment of the cruel enemy and in the triumph of peace and justice grew up and strengthened here, on the banks of the great Russian river. We must not forget the courage of those who defended Stalingrad, showed unconquerable strength of spirit, and saved their Fatherland in the hardest fight. The immortal feat of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and officers, who won a destiny-making victory here, will stay in the people’s memory forever.
The Church, lifting up ‘thanks to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ’ (1Cor 15:57) prays for the repose of those who fell in battles and for the good health of the defenders of Stalingrad whom the Lord gave to survive the battle.
I wish to all the participants in the celebrations God’s help, good health and long life.
PATRIARCH ALEXY OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA
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