Patriarch Kirill’s congratulatory message to Fidel Castro on the occasion of his 85th birthday

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has sent the following congratulatory message to Fidel Castro on the occasion of his 85^th birthday:

Dear Comandante,

On the day of your 85^th birthday, kindly accept my most cordial congratulations and wishes of good health. You life journey is a vivid example of selfless service of the Motherland. You have won the highest possible authority among the Cuban people and enjoyed their sincere love. With your direct participation, warm relations of trust were established between our peoples to bear the test of time and trials.

The Russian Orthodox Church will always remember with gratitude your personal contribution to the cause of building a Russian church in Havana and the sincere concern you showed for the community of our Russian compatriots. Inspired by your personal example, the Cuban people have always been cordial to the faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church and have taken interest in our spiritual traditions.

I have warm memories of our meetings.

I wish you and your loved ones good health, physical strength and long life.

With profound respect,

+Kirill

Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia