Pat. Kirill Sends Birthday Greetings to Abp. John of Albania
Pat. Kirill congratulated Abp. John on his 70th birthday, praising his devoted service and praying for continued strength in leading the Albanian Orthodox Church.
MOSCOW — His Holiness Pat. Kirill of Moscow extended heartfelt congratulations to Abp. John of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
In a formal message, Pat. Kirill conveyed his greetings “on behalf of the entire Russian Orthodox Church and personally,” calling the milestone a “significant date – your 70th birthday.” Reflecting on the Archbishop’s decades of service, he praised him for dedicating his life to Christ and faithfully carrying out the responsibilities of primatial ministry.
“Having been called, you went without hesitation and undertook zealous labors as the helmsman of the Albanian Orthodox Church,” Pat. Kirill wrote, citing Scripture to honor the Archbishop’s devotion. He noted that these labors have “found favor in the eyes of the Creator,” emphasizing the challenges and blessings of leading the Albanian Orthodox Church.
Concluding his message, Pat. Kirill prayed for the Archbishop’s continued spiritual and physical strength, asking God to bless his ministry for the salvation of the faithful entrusted to his care.
Previously, the UOJ reported that a delegation of the Macedonian Orthodox Church visited Valaam Monastery at the invitation of Pat. Kirill.
