His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ congratulated Bishop Matthew of Sourozh on his 50th birthday.
To His Grace, the Right Reverend Matthew, Bishop of Sourozh, Temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada
Your Grace!
Christ is Risen!
I cordially greet you with the words of the Paschal good news and congratulate you on your 50th birthday.
Having devoted yourself to the service of the Lord, you strive diligently to fulfill the various obediences entrusted to you by the church hierarchy. Many years of your life were connected with labors in your native Tambov region. Then, in time, by the will of God, you were numbered among the successors of the apostles and called to episcopal labors, first in the Diocese of Skopin and then as administrator of the Moscow Patriarchate parishes in Italy. Now you are entrusted with archpastoral work in the Diocese of Sourozh, bearing witness to the truth of Orthodoxy in the land of Foggy Albion.
In recognition of your ministry and in connection with your jubilee, I consider it fitting to award you the Order of St. Seraphim of Sarov (3rd class).
May the All-Bountiful Lord grant you good health and His unfailing help in your further archpastoral labors.
With love in the Risen Christ
+KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA
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The clergy, monastics and laity of the Diocese of Sourozh and the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada warmly congratulate their Archpastor on his 50th birthday:
Your Grace, dear Vladyka!
On the significant day of your glorious jubilee, please accept the warmest and most heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the clergy and parishioners of the Old and New World! With deepest respect and sincere love, we wish you, dear Vladyka, good health, long life, and strength of soul and body. May the Almighty Lord multiply the fruits of your labors for the good of the Church of Christ and the people of God. May the light of Divine love brightly illumine your life’s path and support you in your archpastoral cares and concerns!
May the Lord preserve you in health and prosperity for many and blessed years!