Russian Orthodox leader thanks Benedict for positive impetus
(Vatican Radio) The Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has
sent a message to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, thanking him for his “defence of the
ideals of the Gospel” and for the “positive impetus” in relations between the two
Churches. In the letter, dated March 1st the Russian Orthodox leader
also says he hopes the “good, trusting relationship between Orthodox and Catholics”
will continue to grow under the pontificate of the next successor to Saint Peter.
Kirill met with Pope Benedict in May 2006 when he was serving as chairman of the
Moscow Patriarchate Department for External Church Relations under Patriarch Alexy
II.
Please find below the full text of the letter from Patriarch Kyrill to
Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI
Your Holiness!In these exceptional days for you,
I would like to express the feelings of brotherly love in Christ and respect.
The
decision to leave the position of Bishop of Rome, which you, with humility and simplicity,
announced on February 11 this year, has found a ready response in the hearts of millions
of Catholics.
We have always been close to your consistent ministry, marked
by uncompromisingness in matters of faith and unswerving adherence to the living Tradition
of the Church. At a time when the ideology of permissiveness and moral relativism
tries to dislodge the moral values of life, you boldly raised your voice in defence
of the ideals of the Gospel, the high dignity of man and his vocation to freedom from
sin.
I have warm memories of our meeting when you were elected to the Roman
See. During your ministry we received a positive impetus in the relations between
our Churches, responding to the modern world as a witness to Christ crucified and
risen. I sincerely hope what developed during your active participation, a good trusting
relationship between the Orthodox and the Catholics, will continue to grow with your
successor.
Please accept my sincere wishes for good health, long life and
help from above in prayer and in your theological writings.
"May the God
of hope fill you with all joy and peace" (Romans 15:13).