Patriarch Kirill of Moscow sent heartfelt birthday greetings to Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
Patriarch Kirill conveyed congratulations “on behalf of the entire Russian Orthodox Church and personally,” calling the anniversary a “significant date – your 70th birthday.”
Reflecting on the Archbishop’s lifelong service, Patriarch Kirill noted that, remembering that “those who trust in God have a dwelling in the heavens, a house not made with hands, eternal (2 Cor. 5:1), you desired to devote your life to serving Christ and to be an unashamed worker in His field (2 Tim. 2:15).”
He emphasized that the Archbishop’s “labors have found favor in the eyes of the Creator,” who entrusted him with “the difficult cross of primatial ministry.” Responding to this calling, Patriarch Kirill wrote, “having been called, you went without hesitation (Acts 10:29) and undertook zealous labors as the helmsman of the Albanian Orthodox Church.”
Patriarch Kirill concluded his message with a prayerful wish: “May the Creator and Providence-Giver of the world renew and strengthen your spiritual and bodily powers, grant His abundant mercies, and strengthen you in your ministry for the glory of His most holy name and for the salvation of the people of God entrusted to your care.”