DECR chairman congratulates His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew on his Name Day

Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, congratulated the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople on his Name Day. The text reads as follows:

Your Holiness:

On the commemoration day of your Heavenly Patron, St. Bartholomew, allow me to extend to you respectfully my greetings on the occasion of your Name Day.

Impressed in the tablets of the Holy Tradition of the Church are images of the holy apostles of Christ – selfless servants of the Word, good workers in his vineyard, disciples of the Lord, who had love for one another (Jn. 13:35). The example of these great men, who forsaken all and followed the Saviour (Mt. 19:27) has been through centuries a guidance for all those who wish to live godly in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 3:12).

The heavenly intercession and beneficial help of St. Bartholomew have accompanied Your Holiness since the first days of your entering upon the path of service for the Most Holy Church of Constantinople and now help you in many efforts and concerns involved in the lofty and important Patriarchal ministry.

Sharing with your Christ-loving flock the joy of this day, I ask God the Giver of Everything to give you bodily health, peace of the soul and fortitude to continue successfully your Primatial work. Many good years to you!

With respect and love in the Lord,

+ Hilarion

            Metropolitan of Volokolamsk

            Chairman

            Department for External Church Relations

            Moscow Patriarchate