MOSCOW: February 19, 2024
Patriarchal greetings to Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York on his namesday

To His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

Your Eminence, Beloved in the Lord:

Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the feast day of your intercessor at the Altar of the Almighty, Archbishop Nicholas Equal-to-the-Apostles, Archbishop of Japan, a firm and divinely-proclaimed preacher of the Gospel (kontakion to the saint).

Through your efforts and God's guidance, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia continues to successfully carry out its salvific mission, strengthening and inspiring the faithful to stand in the truth and perform deeds of love and mercy.

Through the intercession of your heavenly patron, may the Lord bestow upon you the fullness of bodily and spiritual strength and His inexhaustible help in your lofty and responsible service.

With Love in Christ

+KIRILL,
PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA