DECR chairman’s congratulations to Patriarch Tawadros II of the Coptic Church on the occasion of his 65th birthday and 5th anniversary to his election to the Patriarchal see
In his message to His Holiness Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark in All Africa and the Middle East, Metropolitan Hilarion, head of the Moscow Patriarchate department for external church relations (DECR) congratulated him on his 65th birthday and the 5th anniversary of his election as Head of the Coptic Church. The massage reads:
Your Holiness,
Kindly accept my wholehearted greeting on the occasion of your 65th birthday and congratulations on the 5th anniversary of your election as Head of the Coptic Church.
The life journey of Your Holiness is intimately connected with self-sacrificial work for the good of the Church and your neighbours. Having accepted the lot of Patriarchal service, you have become the spiritual father of all the Coptic people, sharing the joys and sorrows of the flock entrusted to your care and, according to the word of God, laying down one’s life for one’s friends (Jn. 15:13). Representing the Coptic Patriarchate in relation with Christians of various confessions and followers of other religions, with heads of states and authoritative international organizations, you show an example of witness to Christian faith and commitment to the eternal values of the Gospel. I am very glad at the active cooperation of our two Churches, which has begun in the years of your primatial office, including in the Commission for Bilateral Dialogue working today. I sincerely hope that this cooperation will continue to develop successfully, bringing forth good fruits.
From my heart I wish Your Holiness sound health, peace, more strength and unexhausted help from the Chief Pastor Christ in your lofty and important service.
Many good years be to you!
With love in the Lord,
Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk
Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations
Moscow Patriarchate