The members of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church extended heartfelt congratulations to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on the occasion of his name day, honoring Saint Cyril Equal-to-the-Apostles, his monastic patron.
In a formal congratulatory message, the Synod greeted the Patriarch with the Paschal acclamation “Christ is Risen!”, noting the joy of the Church on this “holy and appointed day,” and expressing “heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of your name day.”
Recalling the significance of his monastic name, the Synod wrote: “By the all-good foreknowledge of God, You received in monastic tonsure the name of the Enlightener of the Slavs, Equal-to-the-Apostles Cyril, through whose fervent labors our forebears were granted the opportunity to partake of the saving Orthodox faith and to become a holy nation, a people for His own possession, to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).”
The letter praised Patriarch Kirill’s life of tireless service to the Church and his unwavering commitment to preaching the Gospel: “You have dedicated Your entire life to the selfless service of the Church of Christ and the proclamation of the Gospel truth. Day by day You have boldly declared the salvation of our God. This call You received on the day of Your diaconal ordination and accepted it as a guide for Your life.”
Quoting the Apostle Paul’s call for speech “with grace, seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6), the Synod emphasized the Patriarch’s gift of inspired preaching: “Your inspired sermons, rich in spiritual power and wisdom, instruct both clergy and the faithful to remain steadfast in the Lord with sincere hearts (Acts 11:23) and to discern what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2).”
Amid today’s complex challenges, the Synod acknowledged the burden of the Patriarchal ministry: “Your steadfast faith, patience, and courage in bearing the cross of the Patriarchal ministry—especially under the difficult circumstances of our time—serve as a true example of the ‘approved worker’ who rightly handles the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).”
Drawing a parallel with Saint Cyril the Philosopher, the Synod praised the Patriarch’s wisdom and discernment:
“Like Saint Cyril the Philosopher, who made wisdom his sister and adorned his mind and soul with it (from the Troparion to the Saint), You manifest deep spiritual discernment in making decisions of critical importance for the life of Orthodoxy as a whole.”
The message concluded with a heartfelt blessing: “Through the prayers of Saint Cyril, Equal-to-the-Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, may the Risen Christ strengthen Your spiritual and physical powers, grant You unfailing Paschal joy, and bestow His abundant help upon Your continued primatial ministry.”
The greeting ended with the traditional acclamation: “Eis polla eti, Despota!”
