To His Grace,
the Right Reverend MATTHEW, Bishop of Sourozh,
Temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada
Your Grace!
Dear Vladyka and our gracious father!
Christ is Risen!
On behalf of the clergy, monastics and laity of the Diocese of Sourozh and the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada, please accept our most heartfelt congratulations on your significant jubilee — your 55th birthday!
On this significant day for you, your clergy and flock, with deep gratitude, raise prayers to the Lord God, thanking Him for your apostolic labors and archpastoral ministry, which span different continents and time zones. In all the countries in your care you invariably show an example of wise leadership and fatherly care, setting for all a high example of faithfulness to church duty, sacrificial love and the living fulfillment of the words of the Gospel: “the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).
In you, both clergy and laity always find a merciful father, ready to support them with good advice, sincere compassion, wise guidance and boundless love. Your prayerful intercession strengthens us in times of trial, and your long-suffering, responsiveness and constant readiness to share the joys and sorrows of others inspire us to diligent labor for the glory of God and the good of the Holy Church. By your life and ministry you confirm the words of the Apostle, striving 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 blessed day we humbly ask Christ, the Chief Shepherd, to send you unfailing help in your hierarchical ministry. May the All-Merciful Lord, strengthening you with His grace and sending you abundant mercies, preserve you in good health, peace of soul and spiritual joy along all the paths of your high ministry for the good of the Holy Orthodox Church and the flock entrusted to you!
Many and blessed years, dear Vladyka!
With filial love in the Lord — the clergy, monastics and laity of the Diocese of Sourozh and the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada