His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia congratulated His Beatitude Patriarch John of Great Antioch and All the East on the 5th anniversary of his enthronement.
Your Beatitude,
Beloved in the Lord Brother and Concelebrant:
Please accept my cordial greetings with the 5th anniversary of your enthronement at the ancient See of Patriarchs of the Great Antioch and All the East.
The following God’s words proclaimed by His Holy Prophet Jeremiah, “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jer 3:15), have come true in full for the Orthodox Church of Antioch. For in you she has found a wise Primate of many virtues. Performing your Primatial labours at a difficult time for the Middle East, you share with your people all the hardships and sorrows, showing to your flock an example of pious life.
On this memorable day I wish Your Beatitude good health and God’s almighty help in your lofty and responsible Patriarchal ministry.
With fraternal love in the Lord,
+KIRILL
PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA
