MOSCOW: January 6, 2013
Patriarchal Congratulations to Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has congratulated the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York on his 65th birthday:

To Your Eminence, the Eminent Hilarion,
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia:

Your Eminence, Dear Vladyka!

Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the significant date of your 65th birthday.
The Supreme One, “who dost discern what is secret, who art aware of all things before they come to be” (Daniel 13:42), led you to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, where you made your monastic vows. Over the course of many years, you combined pastoral service and publishing work.

Assuming the burden of the episcopacy, you have given all your efforts, time and talents to the benefit of the Church of Christ. Through your zealous labors towards the glory of the Lord, your sincere care for the moral development of the people of God,you have earned the genuine love and respect from the clergy and flock entrusted to you.

Occupying various administrative offices, you strived to make your contribution towards the reestablishment of unity within the local Russian Orthodox Church.

In view of your earnest efforts and in connection with your 65th birthday, I deem you worthy of being awarded the Medal of St Seraphim of Sarov, II Degree.

On the eve of the great holiday of the Nativity of Christ, I prayerfully wish you good health, spiritual peace and inexhaustible joy of the Savior and His limitless aid in your solemn archpastoral service.

With love in the Lord,

+KIRILL,
PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA