Patriarch Kirill of Moscow has sent a congratulatory message to Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia on the fifth anniversary of his election to the Patriarchal Throne of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Patriarch Kirill warmly conveyed his fraternal greetings on this significant milestone in Patriarch Porfirije’s primatial ministry.
In his message, Patriarch Kirill noted that the Lord has entrusted Patriarch Porfirije with the destiny of the Saint Sava–inspired Serbian people in a challenging era marked by unprecedented trials for Church unity and for the witness to evangelical moral values. Referring to Christ as “the Author and Finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2), he emphasized that Patriarch Porfirije bears with honor the heavy cross of patriarchal service through steadfast testimony to the enduring truth of Holy Orthodoxy.
Patriarch Kirill praised Patriarch Porfirije for setting an example to the flock through personal piety and zeal for the glory of God, and for offering a high model of active Christian love—expressed, among other ways, in courageous support for Orthodox believers who face persecution for their faithfulness to the sacred canons.
Concluding his message, Patriarch Kirill offered heartfelt prayers for good health, unfailing spiritual joy, and God’s strengthening help for many years of a peaceful and blessed patriarchate, extending his fraternal love in Christ to the Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
