« Patriarchal congratulations to Archbishop Anatoly (Kuznetsov) on the 50th anniversary of his hierarchical consecration »

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia congratulated Archbishop Anatoly (Kuznetsov) on the 50th anniversary of his episcopal consecration.

To His Eminence Archbishop Anatoly (Kuznetsov)

Your Eminence!

Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the 50th anniversary of your episcopal consecration.

In your youth, desiring to devote your life to the Lord, who called the perishing world to the knowledge of His Kingdom (canon of the 4th tone at Friday Matins), you began to fulfill various church obediences, and then received a theological education in Moscow theological schools.

Having taken holy orders and monastic vows, you diligently cultivated the field of Christ, pairing your pastoral ministry with work in the teaching field and in the Publishing Department of the Moscow Patriarchate.

Seeing your diligence, the Lord numbered you among the successors of the apostles.  You have had occasion to perform hierarchal work in various dioceses of our Church.  It is gratifying to note that in every place you sought to set a good example for the clergy and flock and made efforts so that the word of the Lord would spread and be glorified (2 Thess. 3:1).

I prayerfully wish you good health, peace of mind and the generous help of the Almighty God in the further procession on the paths of salvation.

With love in Christ,

+KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA