YOUR HOLINESS, MOST HOLY LORD! OUR DEAR PRIMATE AND FATHER!
On this significant and joyful day for all who love you, please accept on behalf of the clergy and flock of the Khanty-Mansiysk Metropolitanate and the Philippine-Vietnamese Diocese entrusted to my care, sincere words of congratulations and heartfelt good wishes on the occasion of your birthday. Your life is a shining example of selfless service to our Church. Over the course of many years, your Primate’s wise word has strengthened the Orthodox faith in people, given them hope and moral support, called them to live according to the commandments of Christ the Savior, to unshakable hope and sincere love. It is largely thanks to you that in our Fatherland today we see that symphony of interaction between church and state authorities in the matter of preserving the historical heritage of our Fatherland, in the restoration of many shrines, and the affirmation of traditional spiritual and moral values in society. In your blessed Primate service, you, steadfastly following the words of the Apostle Paul, are an example of faithful word, life, love, spirit, faith and purity (1 Tim. 4:12). Your wisdom in life, knowledge, warmth of soul and constant goodwill have earned you the love of all the faithful children of our Church. On this memorable day for you, I prayerfully wish you, our dear Primate and Father, spiritual and physical strength, patience and all-strengthening help from God in your Primate labors, for the good of the Church and the Fatherland. May the All-Generous Lord keep you in health and prosperity for many good years! With filial love in Christ,
Pavel, METROPOLITAN OF KHANTY-MANSIYSK AND SURGUT
