His Holiness Patriarch Alexy congratulates Metropolitan Kirill on the 30th anniversary of his archpastoral ministry

His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia sent to Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad the following congratulatory message on the occasion of the 30^th anniversary of his episcopal ministry.

To the Most Reverend Kirill

Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad
Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations
Moscow Patriarchate

Your Eminence, Dear Metropolitan:

I cordially congratulate you on the remarkable date in your life – the 30^th anniversary of your episcopal consecration.

Three decades ago, when you were rector of St. Petersburg Theological Schools, you were elevated to the rank of bishop. You accepted this decision of the Holy Synod as a call of the Chief Pastor to new and ever greater effort for the benefit of the Holy Church.

For the last years you have worked much and fruitfully in the vineyard of Christ entrusted to your care – in the field of theological education, on the old throne of Smolensk and in the capacities of chairman of the Department for External Church Relations and permanent member of the Holy Synod.

Fulfilling your archpastoral ministry with love and zeal, you have borne a vivid witness in word and deed to the eternal truths of the Gospel, to the power and triumph of Orthodoxy and to the need to preserve church unity. You have tirelessly called people to life according to the commandments of Christ the Saviour, to living and effective faith and to unshakable hope and sincere love.

Your special efforts have been directed to the consolidation of interchurch cooperation, development of constructive interaction with the secular leaders, scientists, educators and cultural workers, with representatives of charities and public organizations. With your characteristic assiduity and responsibility, you have carried on the very difficult task that the Lord has ordained to you.

On this memorable day, I prayerfully wish you, dear Metropolitan, spiritual and physical strength, patience and God’s help in your further zealous efforts for the good of the Church and the Motherland.

May the All-Merciful Lord preserve you through the intercession of the Heavenly Queen in good health and well-being for many good years!

With love in the Lord,

+Alexy
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia

• 30th anniversary of Metropolitan Kirill’s episcopal ministry was celebrated in Smolensk
• His Holiness Patriarch Alexy congratulates Metropolitan Kirill on the 30th anniversary of his archpastoral ministry