Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople thanks Patriarch Kirill of Moscow for warm welcome

His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople has sent a fraternal letter to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, thanking him for the warm welcome accorded the high-ranking delegation of the Patriarchate of Constantinople during his visit to the Russian Orthodox Church from May 22 to 31, 2010.

The Primate of the Church of Constantinople noted in particular the high level of organization of all the events and the great cordiality and warmth of human fellowship which made the guests feel at ease throughout the visit.

According to Patriarch Bartholomew, the warm welcome accorded the delegation enabled them to really experience sincere brotherly relations between the two Churches and their Primates.

The Ecumenical Patriarch paid special attention to the intensive growth of church life in Russia as compared to what he saw during his previous visit in 1993.

‘With admiration and joy we observed the rapid revival of monasticism, considerable replenishment of the clergy from among the young and gifted faithful, construction, decoration, restoration and adornment of many churches, awakening of faith among the youth, establishment and development of good relations between church and state authorities, rebirth of the institution of chaplains, Orthodox devotion spreading among many baptized people, especially, the youth, further development of church art and many other joyful and promising achievements’.

The Patriarch of Constantinople credited with all this first of all the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, saying, ‘We know that the primary driving force of all the above-mentioned processes is Your Beatitude and Holiness, both in the period when you were the main co-worker of the ever memorable Patriarch Alexy II and especially now that you yourself head the Most Holy Russian Church’.

In the conclusion of his letter, His Holiness Bartholomew conveys thanks to the Moscow Patriarchate staff and fraternal greetings to the hierarchs and a blessing to the devoted Russian authorities and the Christ-loving fullness of the Russian Orthodox Church.

DECR Communication Service

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Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople thanks Patriarch Kirill of Moscow for warm welcome

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Patriarch

Department Chairman

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