MOSCOW: July 7, 2021
Patriarchal congratulations to Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada on the 25th anniversary of his consecration

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent congratulations to His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada on the 25th anniversary of his episcopal consecration:

To His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada

Your Eminence:

I heartily congratulate you on the 25th anniversary of your episcopal consecration.

One quarter century ago, you were deemed worthy to receive the grace of the All-Holy Spirit, which made you a successor to the Apostles. Since then to this time, you strive to fulfill the lofty archpastoral service with fervor and responsibility.

It is a joy to note that as you rule the Montreal diocese, you tend to the establishment of church communities, illuminating your contemporaries with the light of Christ's truth, expressing fatherly care for the clergy and flock, calling upon them to “endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). This mission is especially important today, when attempts are ever increasing to force out traditional moral values and the eternal ideals of the Gospel from daily life.

I hope that with God’s help, you continue to lovingly, earnestly and piously manifest the difficult service to which the Savior of the world has called you.

May the Lord bless you, sending down upon you firmness of strength and His aid for your further archpastoral service to the benefit of the Holy Church.

With love in Christ,

+KIRILL,
PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA