Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate Department for External Church Relations greets the Primate of the Orthodox Church in America
The Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate Department for External Church Relations Archbishop Hilarion of Volokolamsk congratulated His Beatitude Metropolitan Jonah of All America and Canada on his 50th birthday. The text is given below.
Your Beatitude, Dear Vladyka:
On the occasion of your 50th birthday, I heartily congratulate you on this remarkable jubilee.
Your life in the zealous service of the Church has reached a milestone at which the fullness of one’s spiritual strength is combined with wisdom and experience gained through years. Our Chief Pastor and Lord Jesus Christ was pleased to have the lot of primacy in the Orthodox Church in America fallen on you at a time when she stood in an acute need of a truly good pastor (cf. Jn 10:11-16) capable of leading the Church along the royal path of salvation by taking responsible decisions through ardent prayer, selfless care and wise judgment.
Sharing with your God-saved flock the joy of this jubilee, I wish from my heart that our Lord Jesus Christ may strengthen you in this not easy mission, granting you peace of the soul, joy of the heart and good health for many years.
With love in the Lord,
+Hilarion
Archbishop of Volokolamsk
Chairman
Department for External Church Relations
Moscow Patriarchate