His Holiness Patriarch Kirill congratulates new Primate of the Ethiopian Church

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia congratulated Patriarch-Catholicos of Ethiopia, Abune Mathias, on his election and enthronement as the Primate of the Ethiopian Church.

Your Holiness:

I wholeheartedly congratulate you on your election and enthronement as the Primate of the Ethiopian Church – an ancient Christian community, with which the Russian Orthodox Church has been bound by centuries-old ties of friendship and cooperation.

You have been fated for becoming Patriarch after the demise of your late-lamented predecessor, His Holiness Abune Paul. I wish you to be his worthy successor in labours undertaken for the consolidation of church unity and the improvement of theological education and social ministry.

I sincerely hope that traditionally warm and friendly relations with the Moscow Patriarchate will be dynamically developed under your wise guidance.

May the All-Bountiful Lord bestow upon Your Holiness good health and joy of the soul, peace and many years of life. May God’s help be with you in all your good deeds and initiatives.

With love in Christ,

+ KIRILL

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia