Patriarch Alexy congratulates the Estonian President on a state holiday
12.03.2003 · English
PATRIARCH ALEXY CONGRATULATES THE ESTONIAN PRESIDENT ON A STATE HOLIDAY
His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia sent a message of greetings to the Estonian President Arnold Ruutel on the occasion of the Independence Day celebrated on February 24. The full text see below.
His Excellence Arnold Ruutel
President of the Estonian Republic
Your Excellence,
Deeply respected Mr. President,
Please accept my sincere congratulations and wishes of peace and prosperity to the people of Estonia on the occasion of the Independence Day, which this year coincides with the 85th anniversary of proclaiming Estonia an independent democratic republic.
The recent years have shown that the Estonian state has become an independent active power in Europe and managed to take care of its citizens effectively in spite of the hardships of the 20th century dramatic history. It has been achieved in many ways thanks to the efforts of Your Excellency.
I share your conviction that your country is a common home not only for the Estonians but also for representatives of many other nationalities. An evidence to it is the fact that the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, which takes pastoral care for a considerable part of the Estonian society, has received at last an opportunity to function legally in Estonia. I am sure that the faithful of this Church living in the common home of the Estonian state will ardently observe its laws and customs and serve it loyally as much as they can.
I hope that thanks to your personal help all the Orthodox will enjoy equal rights including the right to church property. It will give confidence in the future to many people, allow to revive true justice, ensure the preservation of peace and harmony in the Estonian society, and promote further progress in relations between Russian and Estonian people.
I still intend to visit my Motherland and plan to do it as soon as it may be possible.
May the All-Merciful Lord give you and your relatives good health, joy, prosperity and His help in your work for the welfare of your wonderful country and its people.
With deep respect,
+PATRIARCH ALEXY OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA
See also: