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The Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s department for external church relations (DECR), Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk has congratulated His Beatitude Chrysostomos, Archbishop of New Justiniana and All Cyprus, on the fortieth anniversary of his archpastoral ministry. The message read:

I respectfully extend to you my wholehearted congratulations on the date so significant for the Orthodox Church of Cyprus – the 40th anniversary of your episcopal consecration.

Four decades ago, you were called by Divine Providence to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up (Eph. 4:12). The Lord, Reader of Human Heart, in His pre-knowledge of you as a good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep (Jn. 10:11), ordained that you be head of one of the oldest dioceses in Cyprus for long and blessed years. In the years of your service, the Sacred Metropolitanate of Paphos was adorned with many new churches, developed its education and youth work and solemnly marked its 1950th anniversary.

As chairman of the Department for External Church Relations, I would like to make a special mention of you long-standing contribution to the development of good relations with the Moscow Patriarchate and your invariable concern for the Russian-speaking flock of the Most Holy Church of Cyprus. Among the important events in the cause of strengthening fraternal ties between our two Churches was the opening of a Russian church of St. Andrew and All Saints Who Shone Forth in the Russian Land in Episcopio last year. Their prayers give you strength in your lofty ministry for many good years.

On this festive day, from my heart I wish Your Beatitude peace, good health and God’s grace-giving help in your not easy Primatial ministry.

With respect and love in the Lord,

Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk

Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations

Moscow Patriarchate