To the Most Reverend Hilarion
Metropolitan of Volokolamsk
Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations
Moscow Patriarchate
Your Eminence,
Please accept my cordial congratulations on this auspicious day in your ministry for the good of the Church of Christ – the 10th anniversary of your episcopal consecration.
In 2002, at the cathedral church of the first capital city of Moscow, through the mystery of the All-Holy Spirit and laying of the hands of the Apostles’ successors, you were elevated to the bishop’s dignity and now zealously carry out important and responsible work in the Lord’s Vineyard.
The task that has been given you by the Supreme Authority at the Department for External Church Relations requires much time and energy, and you seek, to God’s eternal glory, to show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity and sound speech (Tit. 2:7-8).
In maintaining cooperation with Local Orthodox Churches and conducting dialogue with the non-Orthodox, you have focused your attention and support on our brothers and sisters persecuted for their faith, seeking to help stop the violence through diplomatic methods.
Among your urgent concerns is also the training of qualified specialists. As head of the Church Post-Graduate and Doctoral School, you have diligently carried out this difficult work.
I lift up prayers to the All-Merciful Master of Heaven and Earth so that He may give you spiritual and physical strength to continue serving in peace and joy for the benefit of His Holy Church.
With love in the Lord,
+ Kirill,
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia