His Holiness Patriarch Kirill greets Baron Tiesenhausen with his 80th birthday
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent the following greeting to an outstanding figure of the Russian émigré community, Baron Tiesenhausen:
Dear Vasily Nikolayevich!
Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the remarkable day of your 80th birthday and prayerful wishes of good health, peace, joy and abundant mercies from the Bountiful God.
Your have dedicated a lot to the keeping of the faith, historical memory and culture of our compatriots who had found themselves outside of Russia due to the tragic events of the last century.
In consideration of your work of many years for the good of Russian Orthodox tradition in Western Europe and in connection with your 80th birthday, I deem it fair to award you with the Order of the Holy and Right-believing Prince Daniel of Moscow, 2nd class.
May the Lord who loves mankind keep you strong in body and spirit for many years, bestowing His inexhaustible help on you in all your good initiatives.
With respect,
+ KIRILL
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia