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His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia greeted His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia with the commemoration day of St Sava of Serbia.

His Holiness Irinej

Archbishop of Peć

Metropolitan of Belgrade and Karlovci

Patriarch of Serbia

Your Holiness,

Beloved Brother and Concelebrant at God’s Altar:

I cordially greet you with the commemoration day of the heavenly patron of the Serbian people – St Sava, First Archbishop of Serbia.

Having loved Christ from his youth “with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength” (Mk 12:33), this saint showed tireless concern for his homeland. It was he who laid the foundation of its spiritual development on the solid Rock, “and the Rock was Christ” (1 Cor 10:4).

Throughout the history of the Serbian Orthodoxy, the example of St Sava’s ministry and good deeds inspired many archpastors and rulers, monastics and martyrs in their ascetic life and labours. And nowadays the spiritual heirs of this saint strive to remain faithful to his paternal exhortations and lead their earthly life in all godliness and honesty.

This year marks a special memorable date for the Serbian Orthodox Church – the 800th anniversary of its autocephalous being, which she gained under St Sava’s Primatial omophorion. This saint, pleasing unto God, who took monastic vows at the Russian monastery on Mt Athos and from his youth had in his heart love for his Russian brothers, laid the firm foundation of good relations between our Churches, countries and peoples.

I prayerfully wish Your Holiness good health and God’s unceasing help in your lofty Patriarchal service, and I wish welfare and peace to your flock.

With brotherly love in the Lord,

+KIRILL

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia