His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia congratulated Bishop Matthew of Sourozh on his 50th birthday.

To His Grace Matthew, Bishop of Sourozh, Temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada

Your Grace!

Christ is Risen!

I cordially greet you with the words of the Easter gospel and congratulate you on your 50th birthday.

Having devoted yourself to serving the Lord, you strive to diligently fulfill the various obediences entrusted you by the Church Hierarchy. Many years of your life were associated with the labours in your native Tambov region. After a while, by God’s will, you were numbered among the host of the apostles’ successors and called to episcopal service, first in the Skopino diocese, and then, as the Administrator of the Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate, in Italy. Now you are entrusted to perform archpastoral work in the Sourozh diocese, to bear witness of the truth of Orthodoxy in the land of the Foggy Albion – to the Great Britain.

In view of your service and in connection with the celebrated anniversary, I believe it is fair to confer upon you the Order of the Monk Seraphim of Sarov (III degree).

May the all-generous Lord bestow upon you strong health and His unfailing help in further archpastoral labors.

With love in the Risen Christ

+ KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA

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The clergy, monastics and laity of the Sourozh diocese, the Patriarchal parishes in the USA and Canada cordially congratulate their Archpastor on his 50th birthday

Your Grace, dear Vladyka!

On this memorable day of your glorious anniversary, accept the warmest and heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the clergy and parishioners of the Old and New Worlds! With the deepest respect and sincere love, we wish you, dear Vladyka, good health, longevity, strength of mental and physical strength. May the Almighty Lord multiply the fruits of your labors for the good of the Church of Christ and the people of God. Let the light of Divine love brightly illuminate your life path and support your archpastoral cares and concerns!

May the Lord keep you in health and prosperity for many and good years!