His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ congratulated the head of the Archdiocese of the Antiochian Patriarchate in North America, Metropolitan Saba, on his election and enthronement to the North American metropolitan see.
To His Eminence, the Most Reverend Saba, Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America
Your Eminence, dear Vladyka in the Lord!
Christ is Risen!
I cordially greet you and congratulate you on your election and enthronement to the North American metropolitan see.
More than a hundred years ago, St. Tikhon of Moscow, then Bishop of the Aleutians and North America, laid firm foundations for the pastoral care of Orthodox Syrians in the United States of America. His closest helper in this good work was his vicar, a native of Damascus, the future St. Raphael of Brooklyn — an ardent missionary and fervent champion of strengthening friendly relations between the Sister Churches of Antioch and Russia.
Now, by the wise Providence of God, you have been placed at the head of the large Orthodox community of the Antiochian Patriarchate on American soil. Having rich experience of archpastoral ministry in Syria and being well acquainted with church life in the USA, you show yourself a worthy successor to your predecessors and strive to be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Tim. 4:12).
On this significant day, I prayerfully wish Your Eminence good health and unfailing help from the Lord in your archpastoral labors, and peace and prosperity to your God-preserved flock.
With love in the Risen Christ
+KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUS’