Patriarch Kirill of Moscow has sent a message of congratulations to Metropolitan Sawa of Warsaw and All Poland on the 60th anniversary of his monastic tonsure and ordination to the priesthood.
Addressing the Primate of the Polish Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill wrote: “I cordially congratulate you on the significant anniversaries in your life and sacred ministry: the 60th anniversary of your taking the angelic habit and your ordination to the presbyterate.”
Recalling Metropolitan Sawa’s monastic dedication, Patriarch Kirill noted: “Having been named at your monastic tonsure in honor of the great Serbian hierarch Saint Sava, through the prayers of this servant of God you were strengthened with power from on high (Luke 24:49) on the path you chose, and you strove in all things to be an example to the faithful in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).”
The Patriarch emphasized that Metropolitan Sawa’s long experience and God-given gifts continue to guide his primatial ministry: “The rich experience you have acquired and the talents granted to you by God now help you to carry out the high and responsible primatial ministry for the salvation of your Christ-loving flock.”
Concluding his message, Patriarch Kirill offered his prayerful wishes: “May the Lord fill your soul with peace and radiant joy, granting the gracious strengthening of your bodily powers for many years to come.”
