His Holiness Kyrill, Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia, congratulated Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York on his election as First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.
To His Eminence, the Very Most Reverend
NICHOLAS
Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York
First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad
Your Eminence,
Dear in the Lord Vladyka:
It was with gratitude to God that I received word of your election as the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, and together with the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, canonically confirmed this election.
Over the years since the signing of the Act of Canonical Communion, a great deal has been accomplished in strengthening the restored unity of the Russian Church, "that we may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 15:6). Your predecessors of blessed repose ‒ Their Eminences, Metropolitans Laurus and Hilarion ‒ contributed greatly to this God-pleasing work, having served greatly to foster fraternal love and mutual understanding. Now you are called by the Lord to continue their blessed labors. Hoping in the mercy of God, we will jointly care for the spiritual growth and salvation of all faithful children of the Russian Church in the homeland and in the diaspora.
I share the joy with the episcopate, clergy, monastics, and laity of the Russian Church Abroad over your elevation to the Primatial cathedra and offer up fervent prayers to the Chief Shepherd Christ for the augmenting of your strengths and the granting to you of all that is needful for fulfilling the lofty ecclesiastical obedience imposed upon you.
With love in the Lord,
+KYRILL
Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia
