MOSCOW: November 3, 2017
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia Congratulates Metropolitan Hilarion on His Namesday

To His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

Your Eminence!

I send my heartfelt greetings on your namesday.

Having received upon your tonsure the name of St Hilarion, Schema-Monk of Pechersk, you have strived to emulate the good works of your heavenly intercessor, and, strengthened by his prayers, “witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 4:33).

By the Providence of the Almighty, you have been entrusted with the responsible service of being the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, which you fulfill with zeal and piety, striving to do everything possible to preserve the treasured gift of unity.

May the All-Merciful Lord renew your spiritual and physical strength, and bestow upon you perpetual aid in your further efforts towards the good of Orthodoxy.

With love in Christ,

+Kirill
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia