Academy congratulates His Holiness Patriarch Kirill on the 45th anniversary of his episcopal consecration

Your Holiness,

         On the 45th anniversary of your episcopal consecration, please accept cordial greetings and heartfelt congratulations from teachers, mentors and students of the Moscow Theological Academy.

The King eternal, immortal, invisible, God who alone is wise (1 Tim. 1:17) by His Providence called you to the archpastoral ministry of the Holy Church in hard times of restrictions and administrative pressure from the atheistic government. With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering (Eph. 4: 2) enduring numerous obstacles, you have shown an example of courage, patience, unbending will, faith and stood fast in the liberty by which Christ had made us free (Gal. 5: 1).

          Let us express our sincere and deep gratitude for your archpastoral care, attention and active participation in the life of the Moscow Theological Academy.

          On the significant day of your consecration, we would like to wish Your Holiness the strength of soul and a body, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, generous mercies from the Lord and His all-powerful help in the high and responsible service as the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church.

          Asking for your archpastoral prayer and blessing,

THEODORITE, BISHOP OF ZVENIGOROD,

RECTOR OF THE MOSCOW THEOLOGICAL ACADEMY,

WITH ACADEMIC STAFF AND STUDENTS

March 14, 2021