Congratulations from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia to Metropolitan Vasily of Ekaterinodar and Kuban on his 55th birthdaytranslated

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' congratulated Metropolitan Vasily of Ekaterinodar and Kuban on his 55th birthday.

His Eminence, Most Reverend Vasily, Metropolitan of Ekaterinodar and Kuban

Your Eminence!

Please accept congratulations on your 55th birthday.

Having firmly decided to serve the Lord with zeal (Eph. 6:7), in your youth you entered the church field, took monastic vows and holy orders and performed various obediences in the remote dioceses of our Fatherland, where you acquired considerable and very valuable pastoral and administrative experience.

The Almighty took notice of your zeal and ranked you among the successors of the glorious and all-validated apostles. Now you are performing episcopal labors in the Kuban Metropolis entrusted to your care, taking care of the comprehensive development of parish life, preaching the word of Christ’s truth to those near and far, and trying to set an example for your flock of faith operating through love (Gal. 5:6).

In consideration of your service and in connection with a memorable personal date, I consider it fair to honor you with the Order of St. Seraphim of Sarov (II degree).

I prayerfully wish you physical health and good spirits,...