NEW YORK: November 30, 2020
The First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad congratulates Metropolitan Mark of Berlin and Germany on the 40th anniversary of his consecration

To His Eminence
Metropolitan MARK
of Berlin and Germany,
To the Clergy and Flock of the German Diocese of the Russian Church Abroad

Your Eminence Vladyka,
Reverend Fathers, God-beloved Brothers and Sisters:

Today, joining in spirit with the common prayers of the clergy and flock of the German Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, I express my heartfelt greetings to Your Eminence, Vladyka Mark, on this good and bright celebration of the fortieth anniversary of your personal Pentecost! The celebration of this important date for the Ruling Bishop of the German Diocese is its own joy and honor. Let us thank God, for it is said: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17).

All of us who have at least once met Your Eminence know of your great spirit and invaluable contributions to the Russian Church Abroad, the Mother Church and all of Russian Orthodoxy. We know full well that His Eminence Vladyka Mark for many years ago had earned the lofty rank of Metropolitan. Glory and thanks to God, last year, on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Russian Church Abroad and of the 40th anniversary of your archpastoral service, very worthily and righteously were recognized your many years of labors and fruitful activity in the harvest-field of God by His Eminence Vladyka Mark. Our debt and sacred duty it is to bring forth on this day earnest prayers that the Lord send down to His Eminence many years of good health, blessed and peaceful life, constant firm strength and the aid of God in your further service to the Church of Christ, ministering to, emboldening, consoling and saving your Orthodox flock and leading it to eternal salvation.

Our bold prayer at Divine Liturgy is lifted up and will always be lifted up before the Altar of the Lord, for our Church in Germany, granting to you, our beloved archpastor, eternal abode in peace, safety, honor, health, and length of days, rightly dividing the word of the Gospel truths of Christ!

Eis polla eti despota!

With fraternal love in the Lord,

+ HILARION,
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.