NEW YORK: February 19, 2021
The First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia congratulates the newly-elected Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia

To His Holiness
PORFIRIJE,
Orthodox Archbishop of Pec,
Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci,
Patriarch of Serbia

Your Holiness, Eminent Vladyko Porfirije:

In the name of the Synod of Bishops, the episcopate and the Fulness of the Russian Church Abroad, I warmly and joyfully congratulate Your Holiness on your election to the Throne of the great Serbian Patriarch, the Illuminator and Teacher Savva, and humbly beseech Divine aid for you! Remembering with profound gratitude your predecessors of blessed memory, who paternally received the archpastors, clergy and flock of the Russian Church Abroad 100 years ago, I hasten to assure you of our brotherly support for your holy efforts in the difficult service that lies ahead.

When a person ascends a tall mountain from the plains, he begins to see many things invisible from below. And so before you now a very broad scope of vision is revealed not only of Church life in your Homeland, but of all the Churches of God, for the Patriarchal service is that great peak amid the plains of the Church which was erected by the Chief Pastor, Christ. Now you have become the most holy Herald not only for Serbia, but for all nations, all Churches!

May the Lord help you make your own contribution to the matter of the rebirth of the entire harvest-field of Christ, and be, in the words of Apostle Paul, “labourers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9) throughout the whole Orthodox Christian world by serving as an example of Christian life, fervent prayer, careful preservation of the purity of Tradition and warm Patriarchal love for all!

Asking your Patriarchal prayers, I remain in eternal love in the Lord,

+HILARION,
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.