Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church greets President and Staff of ‘Aid to Church in Need’ Foundation on its 60th anniversary

His Holiness Patriarch Alexy greeted Mr. Hans-Peter Rцthlin, President of the Foundation ‘Aid to Church in Need’ on the 60^th anniversary of the Charity Organisation. Below is the full text of the message.

The foundation ‘Aid to Church in Need’ was founded in 1947 by the Dutch Catholic priest Werenfried van Straaten. Since 1984 it enjoys the status of an international public organization of the Roman Catholic Church and provides aid to Christian Churches in need. Below is the full text of the message.

Dear Brother in Christ,

I cordially greet you and all your staff on the occasion of the 60^th anniversary of the Aid to the Church in Need.

Since 1947 when Fr Werenfried van Straaten, whom I am glad to have met in person, founded the of the Aid to the Church in Need, your organization has gained great respect of all Christian world due to unselfish help it provides for Churches in difficult material circumstances.

With special gratefulness I would like to mention the priceless aid you rendered to the Russian Orthodox Church, which is restoring its normal life after many years of persecution under the atheistic regime.

I am deeply convinced that the dialogue and partnership between our Churches should always be based on brotherly Christian love and mutual support.

I heartily wish you and your staff peace, good health and God’s help in your work.

With love in the Lord,

/+Alexy/

Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia