DECR staff members congratulate Metropolitan Hilarion on the 10th anniversary of his episcopal consecration

On 16 January 2012, the 10th anniversary of Metropolitan Hilarion’s episcopal consecration was celebrated at the Department for External Church Relations.
DECR vice-chairman, Hegumen Philaret (Bulekov), read out congratulatory address from the staff. The address reads: ‘At present you care for the external activities of the Russian Orthodox Church; you exert arduous efforts for bringing a very important contribution into consolidation of Orthodox unity and development of inter-church and international cooperation, paying attention to the dialogue between Church and society.
‘His Holiness the Patriarch knows your zeal and abilities and entrusts you with various and responsible forms of work. You head the Department for External Church Relations, the Ss Cyril and Methodius Church Postgraduate and Doctoral School, the Synodal Biblical Theological Commission, the Editorial Board of the Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate. You actively cooperate with the mass media and often meet with the youth and creative professionals. Your books and musical compositions bring a current of fresh air into modern culture which so needs it.
“We, your co-workers, see our task in a possible assistance to you in fulfilling so lofty and important ministry to the Church.
‘Dear Vladyka, we congratulate you on this remarkable date in your life and wish you good health, joy, happiness, and the inexhaustible help of God in your further service to the good of the Holy Church and the Fatherland. Many and good years to you!’
Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, DECR vice-chairman, presented a panagia to Metropolitan Hilarion on behalf of the staff.
The DECR chairman cordially thanked the staff for congratulations and warm words.