His Holiness Patriarch Alexy congratulates Archbishop Georg Krechmar on his 80th birthday

On 31 August 2005, Archbishop Georg Krechmar, former head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Central Asia, celebrated his 80^th birthday.

His Holiness Patriarch Alexy of Moscow and All Russia congratulated Dr. Krechmar. The full text of the greeting see below.

To: Archbishop Dr. Georg Krechmar

Dear Brother in Christ,

I heartily congratulate you on your important jubilee – the 80^th anniversary of your birthday – the age of ‘mature manhood’ (Eph 4:13).

We have known you as a profound theologian and wise leader who spared no effort to revive the Evangelical Lutheran Church of German tradition in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Central Asia. It was not an easy work. The atheistic regime violently persecuted both Lutherans and the faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church on the territory of the former Soviet Union.

Hard selfless work, spiritual and physical strength was required to restore normal religious life. You and your co-workers had to work for the return of magnificent old buildings that once had belonged to the Lutheran Church. You cared for the books to be published and for the Lutheran educational establishments to be reopened.

Good trusting relations with the Russian Orthodox Church undoubtedly testify to the success of your work as head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Central Asia. The theological dialogue between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Evangelical Church of Germany opened in 1959 has played an important role in it. You have always been an active participant and knowledgeable expert on Orthodox theology and tradition of our Church.

The term of your office comes to an end. I assure you, dear brother, that the Russian Orthodox Church will always cherish you as her good friend. I wholeheartedly wish you abundant mercies from God and His help in your future work.

With love in the Lord,

+Alexy,

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia