After his condolence message on the death of Ali Hosseini Khamenei, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow sent another message, this time addressed to Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, on the occasion of his election to the office of “Supreme Leader of Iran”.
In his message, the Patriarch of Moscow addressed the new leader of Iran with the salutation “Dear brother” (Дорогой брат), while at the same time expressing his warm congratulations on his election by the Assembly of Experts to the highest religious and political office of the Islamic Republic.
According to Patriarch Kirill, his election constitutes a “historic moment,” which “comes under particularly difficult personal circumstances for him, as it coincided with the loss of his father and other close relatives.” He also did not fail to emphasize that the new “leader” assumes responsibility for leading the country “at a time of great challenges facing Iran.”
At the same time, the Patriarch referred to the historical ties between the peoples of Russia and Iran. As he stated, “the Russian Orthodox Church maintains a constructive dialogue with the Muslim community of Iran, which is based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to preserving traditional moral values.” He also expressed the hope that this cooperation would continue to grow stronger in the future.
Concluding his message, the Patriarch of Moscow wished him “strength and wisdom in the exercise of his new duties,” while also expressing the hope “that peace will soon prevail in the ancient land of Persia and among the people of Iran.”
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
