DECR chairman sends greetings to His Beatitude Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa on the anniversary of his election to the Patriarchal throne
Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, sent a message of greetings to the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Alexandria on the anniversary of his election to the Patriarchal throne. The text of the letter is given below.
His Beatitude THEODORE II
Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa
Your Beatitude,
Please accept my heartfelt greetings with the anniversary of your election to the See of Primates of the ancient Church of Alexandria.
More than thirty years ago, in the capacity of Exarch of the Patriarch of Alexandria to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, you arrived in Odessa, where you carried out your responsible ministry for many years. By your piety, kindness and paternal attention to everyone coming to you, you won sincere love of the clergy and laity of the Odessa diocese, which they cherish in their hearts to this day.
Over the years of your Primatial service you visited the Moscow Patriarchate on numerous occasions. Your Beatitude’s recent visit to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church that is now suffering ordeals brought spiritual joy and consolation to the numerous faithful of the canonical Church who greeted you as a welcome guest, father and intercessor, as the true zealot of the canonical order and upholder of the unity of the Holy Orthodoxy.
On this memorable day I prayerfully wish Your Beatitude good health and bountiful help in your Primatial labours, and I wish peace and prosperity to your God-loving flock.
With respect and love in the Lord,
| /+Hilarion/
Metropolitan of Volokolamsk Chairman Department for External Church Relations Moscow Patriarchate |