DECR chairman congratulates Metropolitan Tikhon of All America and Canada on anniversary of his episcopal consecration
Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, head of the Moscow Patriarchate department for external church relations, has sent a congratulatory message to the Primate of the Orthodox Church in America on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of his episcopal consecration.
Your Beatitude,
On the joyful day marking the granting of the grace of episcopal office to you, I cordially congratulate you on the 15th anniversary of your episcopal ministry.
This significant date gives us an opportunity to praise your work to make the life of the Orthodox Church in America well organized. For the years of our episcopal office and Primatial ministry, you have manifested to the Church of Christ both zeal for the house of God and a loving heart and desire to serve God by all your gifts and to follow His all-holy will, to give your life for the sheep (Jn. 10:11) – the American flock entrusted to your care.
I prayerfully wish Your Beatitude God’s inexhaustible help in the hard apostolic ministry in the land of America, sound health and abundant spiritual blessings from our All-Generous Heavenly Father.
With respectful love in the Lord,
+ Hilarion
Metropolitan of Volokolamsk
Chairman
Department for External Church Relations
Moscow Patriarchate