The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, congratulated His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem on the day of his namesake, patriarchia.ru reports.

“Looking at the feat of faith of your heavenly patron, the glorious martyr Theophilos of Sebastia, you strive, according to the word of the Apostle, with love and a spirit of meekness (1 Cor. 4:21) to perform the high ministry of the Primate of the Most Holy Mother of Churches and show tireless concern for the God`s people, entrusted to your care.

The past year has been overshadowed by the spread of a harmful epidemic. I hope that, by the grace of the Almighty, its consequences will soon be overcome, and numerous pilgrims will be able to rush to the Life-Giving Tomb of the Lord again.

On this festive day, I prayerfully wish you abundant help from the Pastor Christ in your further Patriarchal labors, and your God-saved flock – peace and prosperity,” the Primate’s congratulation says.

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