Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk sends message of greetings to Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Paulose II on the occasion of his 70th birthday

Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, greeted Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Paulose II with his 70^th birthday. The text of the letter is given below.

His Holiness BASELIOS MARTHOMA PAULOSE II

Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan

Your Holiness, dear Vladyka,

Please accept my heartfelt greetings on the occasion of your 70^th birthday.

By bearing a laborious cross of the Primatial ministry you make your contribution to the promotion of interethnic and interreligious peace in India and show a vivid example of “faith which worketh by love” (Gal 5:6). The Malankara Church led by you upholds and actively develops the spiritual tradition dating back to the times of the Holy Apostle Thomas who enlightened the coasts of Hindustan by the Christian faith. Showing concern for the re-establishment of church unity, you devote considerable effort to develop the dialogue with the Orthodox Churches and try to maintain good contacts with Christians all over the world. The Russian Orthodox Church and the Malankara Church have established warm relations which, I hope, will continue to fruitfully develop.

I wish Your Holiness good health, longevity and God’s unceasing help in your lofty ministry!

With love in the Lord,

/+Hilarion/ Metropolitan of Volokolamsk Chairman Department for External Church Relations Moscow Patriarchate