His Holiness Patriarch Kirill congratulates Joseph Biden on his election as President of the United States of America

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent greetings to Joseph Biden on the occasion of his victory in the presidential election in the United States of America.

 Mr. Joseph BIDEN

President-elect

United States of America

 

Dear Mr. Biden,

Please accept my congratulations on your election as President of the United States of America.

The world today is in greater need of stability and security, as well as the constructive interstate cooperation aimed at tackling various problems of extremism and terrorism, regional armed conflicts, economic justice, and environmental protection. I believe that the interaction between our countries and peoples, based on historical experience, can make a significant contribution to seeking effective responses to the present-day global challenges.

The Russian Orthodox Church considers interfaith and intercultural dialogue to be an important instrument for promoting mutual respect, neighbourliness, and accord in society. We express our willingness to work together with the authorities of the United States of America in this sphere.

For a long time now, emigrants from the countries of the Moscow Patriarchate’s canonical responsibility have been living and working in the United States. Many of them are Orthodox Christians who receive pastoral care from our Church’s Patriarchal parishes in your country, as well as the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. I hope that the American authorities will be attentive to the religious needs of the Russian-speaking flock.

I wish you good health and wisdom in decision-making, and I wish peace and welfare to the citizens of the United States of America.

Yours respectfully,

+KIRILL

PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA