SYNOD OF BISHOPS: August 24, 2005

His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus Sends a Congratulatory Letter to the Newly-Elected Patriarch Theophilus III of Jerusalem

His Beatitude
The Most Blessed THEOPHILUS
Newly-Elected Patriarch of the
Holy City of Jerusalem and All Palestine

Your Beatitude,
Most Blessed Vladyko!

Please accept our heartfelt congratulations to Your Beatitude on your election to the Patriarchal Throne of the Mother of Churches, the Jerusalem Patriarchate! We prayerfully wish you good health, strength of spirit and the omnipotent assistance of God in Your First-Hierarchal service and in the overcoming all difficulties and temptations which have recently beset the Church of Jerusalem.

Beseeching your holy prayers at the Life-bearing Sepulcher of the Lord for my own unworthiness, for the bishops, clergy and flock of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia,

With fraternal love in the Lord,

+Metropolitan Laurus