His Holiness Patriarch Kirill sends greetings to Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East on his 75th birthday
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent a message of greetings to His Holiness Mar Gewargis III Sliwa, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, on his 75th birthday. The text of the letter is given below.
Your Holiness,
Please accept my cordial greetings with your 75th birthday.
Your life is devoted to the selfless service to the Church and the preaching of Christ, Who is the way, the truth, and the life (Jn 14:6). Performing your ministry far from your native land for many years, you have preserved in your heart love for the traditions of your ancestors and for your people who are now suffering afflictions and persecutions in their historical homeland – the biblical land of Mesopotamia. At this time of ordeals you courageously preach peace to those who are afar off and to those who are near (Eph 2:17), raise your voice in defence of the unshakable Gospel values, and strengthen the inter-religious and inter-confessional cooperation. I hope that the good relations between our Churches will continue to develop successfully.
May the All-Merciful Lord grant to you spiritual and physical strength for bearing your Primatial cross, and may He preserve you in good health for many years.
With love in Christ,
+KIRILL
PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA