His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' congratulated Metropolitan John on his name daytranslated

With the blessing of Metropolitan John of Belgorod and Stary Oskol, I cordially congratulate you on the day of remembrance of your heavenly patron, St. John, Metropolitan of Tobolsk. Imitating the zeal of this wondrous saint of God, whom the Church of Christ glorifies as a teacher of piety, a nourisher for the orphans, a comforter for the sorrowing (troparion to the saint), you, with care, patience and every diligence, perform responsible archpastoral service on the long-suffering land of Belgorod in the difficult conditions of constant rocket attacks, fatherly support the clergy and flock in difficult military trials and strive, according to the word of the apostle, rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Rom. 12:15). May the Lord strengthen your mental and physical strength, through the prayers of St. John, sending you generous help in further hierarchal labors for the salvation of the people of God. © Belgorod and Stary Oskol diocese Belgorod Metropolitanate Russian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate