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Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, greeted His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, with the anniversary of his elevation to the Patriarchal throne. The text of the message is given below.

Your Holiness and Beatitude:

It is with sincere joy that I congratulate you on the anniversary of your primatial ministry.

The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep (Jn 10:11). Your life and your primatial labours are a vivid example of sacrificial service to the Church and of preaching Christ’s Gospel. During many years you, with your wisdom and experience, have been steering the church ship to the salutary haven. Yet, the force navigating this ark – the invincible force of Christ’s charity that never faileth (1 Cor 13:8) – is still acting in you, inspiring you to new endeavours.

I have warm recollections of our first meeting, as well as of our later numerous meetings and conversations, and prayerfully wish Your Holiness and Beatitude good health and joy in the Holy Spirit. I also wish to the holy Georgian Church spiritual flourishing and mercy from the All-Generous Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

With respectful love in the Lord,

+Hilarion

Metropolitan of Volokolamsk

Chairman

Department for External Church Relations

Moscow Patriarchate