News

Catholicos Patriarch Leaves for Germany for Medical Examination

Today, at 12pm Catholicos Patriarch leaves for Germany for medical examination. As Archpriest Michael Botkoveli stated at yesterday's news conference at the Patriarchate, His Holiness and Beatitude felt fine, though Georgian and German doctors advised the Patriarch to have medical consultations at the same hospital he had had surgery couple of months ago. "There are some gossips about His Holiness' health worsening. This is false, and therefore we called the present news conference to state the truth", said Father Michael Botkoveli. Father Michael adds that only after all medical examinations it will be decided when the Patriarch returns back to Georgia. The Catholicos Patriarch spent few days at the Tbilisi Pridon Todua Clinic last week. The Patriarch had acute virus infection.

Source: www.patriarchate.ge

Address by Archbishop Irenaios of Crete, Head of Delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to Patriarch Kyril

Your Beatitude Kyril, Most Holy Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia,

The Ecumenical Patriarchate is present today, with joy and celebration, at the See of the sister Church of Russia in order to participate in the historical moment of the enthronement of Your Beatitude, through our delegation, before an abundant congregation, in the presence of the venerable Hierarchy, "guided by God Himself," as well as the distinguished and honorable authorities, sacred clergy and pious Russian people. It is present here at the august directive of the All-Holy Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarchate, Bartholomew, and the Holy and Sacred Synod that surrounds him, in order to convey the fervent embrace of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to You, the worthy Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, as you have already ascended the steps of this historical Throne in succession of the memorable late Patriarch Alexi II, who shepherded the Russian Church over an entire period of eighteen years in a manner that was pleasing to God.

Congratulatory Telegram of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the Newly-Elected Patriarch of Moscow (27.1.09)

Upon learning of His Beatitude Kyril's election as Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent the following congratulatory Message:

Your Beatitude Kyril, Holy Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia,

On the occasion of your well-deserved election today as the new Head of the most holy sister and chosen daughter Church of Russia, we convey to you our heartfelt brotherly salutation, both of the Church of Constantinople, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and of our Modesty personally. We also congratulate the notably faithful members of your holy Church, the distinctly pious clergy, and the Hierarchy of your Holy Church illumined by the Holy Spirit, for electing in a zealous unanimity a Patriarch with the honor and high standing of your venerable Beatitude.

Congratulatory Telegram of Pope and Patriarch Theodoros II to the Newly-Elected Patriarch of Moscow

Prot. No: 21/2009

Your All Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, our dear and beloved brother in Christ and concelebrant, we Greet Your Holiness in the Lord, and address ourselves to you.

It is with great joy that we heard the joyous announcement of your most worthy election to the Patriarchal Throne of the Church of Russia .

Your spiritual person, your broad and well known theological knowledge, your many years of experience regarding ecclesiastical issues, especially your love for our Holy Church and the faithful people of God, provide the guarantee for your bright Patriarchal tenure.

We all wholeheartedly, therefore, pray that the Arch Shepherd Jesus Christ will strengthen your All Holiness, in constant health and much strength, and for many years, rightly keeping the word of His Truth, for the commendation and praise of the Russian Church and all Orthodoxy.

In congratulating you again for your most worthy election, we embrace Your All Holiness and remain Your beloved brother in Christ.

THEODOROS II,

Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa

In the Great City of Alexandria
28th January 2008

Patriarch Kirill hopes for broader dialogue with Catholics

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia said he hoped relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church would further develop. The Russian Patriarch met with an official delegation of the Holy See, which attended his enthronement, at his working residence in Moscow on Monday.

Archbishop of Canterbury Williams invites Patriarch Kirill to UK

Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has congratulated Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill I on his enthronement and invited him to the United Kingdom. "When opportunity allows, it would be a privilege to welcome you here in Britain - as my predecessor welcomed yours - as a valued guest and friend in Christ," a message by Archbishop Williams obtained by the Interfax-Religion on Monday reads.