Archbishop Fred Hiltz, the Primate, has written to Metropolitan Kyrill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, congratulating him on his election as Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church.
The text of the letter follows:
January 28, 2009
His Holiness Kyrill
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia
Moscow Patriarchate
Your Holiness:
On behalf of the Anglican Church of Canada may I offer you our congratulations as you begin your ministry as Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. You will be in my prayers and those of our bishops, clergy and people as you prepare for your enthronement.
Your noble and historic Church has remained faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ through difficult days and has been blessed in recent times with renewed energy and opportunities to witness. May you lead your people wisely in this new era.
Your Holiness is known for your support for ecumenical relations and we look forward to your continued leadership in the oikoumene.
In Christ our Brother and Lord, I am
Sincerely yours,
Fred J. Hiltz
Archbishop and Primate