Patriarch Kirill of Moscow Congratulates Syrian Orthodox Patriarch On 10th Enthronement Anniversary

DECR – OCP News Service – 01/04/2024

Moscow – Russia: His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ congratulated the Primate of the Syrian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, on the 10th anniversary of his election to the Patriarchal throne.

Your Holiness, beloved Brother in Christ!

I cordially congratulate you on the 10th anniversary of your ascension to the Patriarchal throne.

Having dedicated your life to God and diligently serving Him, you strive to bear the fruit of the Spirit in all goodness, righteousness and truth (Eph. 5:9). Your election to the cathedra of First Hierarchs of the Syrian Orthodox Church occurred during a difficult period for Syria and the entire Middle East of upheaval and the tragic exodus of hundreds of thousands of Christians from the land of their ancestors. Carrying out Primate work in these circumstances, you pay attention to the testimony of the feat of modern Middle Eastern Christians who have endured great suffering and retained the power granted to them to be children of God (John 1:12).

It is gratifying that the years of your Patriarchate are marked by the strengthening of interaction between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Syrian Orthodox Church in various areas, including in providing assistance to the people of Syria. I hope that our cooperation will continue to be fruitful.

I wish Your Holiness good health and ascending from strength to strength (Ps. 83.8) in the performance of Patriarchal service, and I wish your flock to remain in peace and prosperity.

With love in the Lord,

+KIRILL,
PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA

Source:

OCP News Service and DECR