Greeting of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill to the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent the following greeting to His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew with the commemoration day of his heavenly patron:

His Holiness Bartholomew

Archbishop of Constantinople – New Rome

and Ecumenical Patriarch

Your Holiness,

beloved in the Lord Brother and Concelebrant:

I cordially greet you on the occasion of the commemoration day of your heavenly patron – St. Bartholomew.

The Church of Christ cherishes the testimonies about the life journey and missionary feat of this divine disciple and speaker of hidden secrets, ardent preacher of the Gospel who gave the whole universe to drink grace from the source of spiritual waters (Service to St. Bartholomew).

Through the efforts of your honourable predecessors, the seeds of apostolic preaching have given good shoots and brought abundant fruits – an assembly of saints, teachers, zealots of faith and piety. Continuing their deeds, for many yours you have taken diligent care of the Most Holy Church of Constantinople. An integral part of this ministry is the preservation of the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3) with brothers for the sake of the well-being of the holy Churches of God and unity of all. Lifting up prayers for Your Holiness on this auspicious day, I send to you the Most Rev. Archbishop Antony of Vienna and Budapest, through whom I convey to you my warmest wishes of peace of the soul and strength of the body in your important ministry for many good years.

With brotherly love in Jesus Christ,

+ KIRILL

            Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia