Patriarch Kirill greets Metropolitan Amfilohije with the 30th anniversary of his episcopal consecration and the 25th anniversary of his election to the See of Cetinje
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent greetings to Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and Primorje, a hierarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church, on the occasion of two memorable dates in his life. The text of the message is given below.
Your Eminence, dear Vladyka,
Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the 30th anniversary of your episcopal consecration and the 25th anniversary of your election to the See of Cetinje.
You were carrying out your archpastoral ministry aimed at reviving the church life in Montenegro at a rather difficult time when the Orthodox people in Kosovo and Metohija, as well as in other parts of Serbia, were enduring great sufferings.
Being one of the oldest hierarchs of the Serbian Orthodox Church, you as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Tim 2:3) courageously defend, by the armour of righteousness (2 Cor 6:7), the flock, entrusted to your care, from those who try to destroy the unity of the Body of Christ and to impose the ideals that run counter to the moral values of the Gospel on the people of Montenegro who have been nourished by the Serbian Church for centuries. In performing this lofty mission, you can always rely on the support of the Russian Orthodox Church which regards and values you as her old and dear friend.
I prayerfully wish Your Eminence physical and spiritual strength, peace, and God’s almighty help in your archpastoral ministry which you zealously perform to the glory of the Holy, Consubstantial, Life-Creating and Undivided Trinity.
With abiding love in the Lord,
+KIRILL
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia
Source: Moscow Patriarchate
