MOSCOW: January 1, 2008
Patriarch Alexy Congratulates Metropolitan Laurus On His Birthday

His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II, Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, congratulated His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, on his 80 th birthday today.

“Today's important day gives us one more opportunity to recall your life's path, your pastoral podvig , and, of course, your significant contribution in the work of the reestablishment of the unity of the Local Russian Orthodox Church,” reads His Holiness' message.

“The common joy we shared in the unity we reacquired encourages me to raise my prayers to the Lord, that He send down upon Your Eminence strength and the omnipotent Divine assistance in the work of caring for your God-preserved flock,” wrote His Holiness, also expressing the hope of meeting Vladyka Laurus in Moscow this February.