Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church congratulates Gordon Brown on his appointment as prime minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain approved on June 27, 2007, the appointment of Gordon Brown as prime minister. His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia sent the following congratulatory message to the new head of the British government:

Your Excellency, Dear Mr. Brown:

Kindly accept my sincere congratulation on your assumption of the office of Prime Minister of Great Britain.

I cordially wish Your Excellency good health, well-being and success in your important service.

I hope that the efforts you as head of the government will make in domestic and foreign policy will contribute to the well-being of the people of your glorious country and to further strengthening of good relations between the United Kingdom and the countries of the Commonwealth of the Independent States, in which most of the faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church live and glorify God.

I assure you of deep respect for the people of Great Britain. May the Lord grant them peace and prosperity.

Respectfully,

+ Alexy

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia