Members of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church have addressed a formal congratulatory message to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on the occasion of his birthday, praising his lifelong devotion to the Church, his steadfast leadership, and his spiritual guidance.
The letter opens with a solemn greeting: “Your Holiness, Most Holy Master, Great Lord and Merciful Father! With reverent love in the Lord, we ask you to accept our heartfelt congratulations on your birthday.”
The Synod recalls the Patriarch’s upbringing, shaped by devout parents whose example of “strong trust in the Lord and sincere love” formed the foundation of his spiritual calling. They write: “From your youth you did not imagine life without Christ and outside His Church. The seed of faith was nurtured in your soul first by your blessed parents, and later by spiritual mentors.”
The message continues with rich biblical imagery, describing his spiritual growth: “You generously watered the sprout of faith with the living water of the word of God, warmed it with heartfelt prayer, enriched it with deeds of love, rooted it in truth, and cut away all that was harmful to the soul. Over the years this sprout became a mighty tree bearing abundant good fruit.”
The Synod praises Patriarch Kirill for embracing his calling with courage: “Knowing that God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love (2 Tim. 1:7), you boldly stepped onto the path of serving Him, a path you have followed for more than half a century.”
Recognizing his long tenure, they write:“For more than 15 years you have applied all your strength so that… Holy and God-beloved Rus’ might not perish.”
They commend his tireless work to strengthen Church life at home and abroad, calling him “steadfast and immovable,” always laboring in the work of the Lord, “knowing that your labor is not in vain before God (1 Cor. 15:58).”
The tribute emphasizes his pastoral closeness: “You do not leave your flock without instruction… but tirelessly proclaim the truth of God, speaking to people for edification, exhortation, and comfort.”
They note his presence among the faithful in all circumstances: “In all difficult circumstances you remain with the people… encouraging and inspiring them, knowing that sorrow is the most harmful of spirits for God’s servants.”
As the message nears its conclusion, the Synod offers a poetic praise drawn from liturgical texts:
“It is fitting for the wise to enlighten the foolish, for the strong in the Lord to strengthen the weak, and it is fitting for you to shepherd — you who can do all things through Christ Jesus!”
