Patriarch Kirill of Russia Congratulates Pope Tawadros II, on His Enthronment Anniversary & Birthday

Gerges Mounir Hanna – OCP News Service – 05/11/2022

Moscow – Russia: Patriarch Kirill of Russia, congratulated Patriarch Pope Tawadros II of Egypt, on his seventieth birthday and the tenth anniversary of his coronation through a letter on 4th November 2022. 

Message sent by Patriarch Kirill:

To His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the Throne of Saint Mark in all Africa and the Middle East

Your Holiness, dear brother in the Lord!

I sincerely congratulate you on your seventieth birthday and the tenth anniversary of your election to the ancient patriarchal throne of Saint Mark.

Having received from pious parents the precious faith in the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:1), you have been looking forward since your youth to serve the Church in the splendor of His holiness (1 Chronicles 16:29).  The Lord is pleased to place you at the head of the patriarchal seat, so that you may fully use the gifts he has bestowed upon you for the benefit of the Christian people in Egypt.

It is a pleasure to witness that your initial service contract marked the flourishing of the spiritual life of the Coptic Church and the strengthening of its role and authority in the world.  Like green leaves on a dense tree (Sir 14:19), new communities of Coptic believers appear today in many countries, including Russia.

I appreciate with interest your personal acquaintance with Your Holiness and your continued interest in strengthening the historically friendly relations between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Coptic Church.

I sincerely hope that these relationships will continue to develop with equal success, and will bear fruit in every good work (Colossians 1:10).

In view of your merits, as well as with regard to important dates, I believe it is fair to honor you with the Medal of Glory and Honor (First Class).

On this important day, I wish Your Holiness the Lord’s bounties, health, longevity, and success in your entrusted service.

With love in Christ,

 + Kirill, Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia

Source:
OCP News Service