Pope’s birthday wishes for Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I
(March 1, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI has sent his heartiest greetings to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople on his 70th birthday. The spiritual head of the world’s some 300 million Orthodox Christians, was born on Feb. 29, 1940, the "leap day" that occurs every four years. Thus, he celebrated his birthday this year on Monday, March 1. The Pope sent a message offering Patriarch Bartholomew his "fervid and fraternal wishes,” accompanied by his prayers that their one Lord sustain him with his strength and his grace while he carries out “his high office as pastor, preacher of the Gospel and master of the spiritual life." The Holy Father's message recalled the "pleasant memories" of his meetings with the Patriarch, especially during his visit to Istanbul for the feast of St. Andrew in 2006. Pope Benedict expressed hope that the Spirit of God continue to enlighten and guide the path of the two Churches “toward the full communion desired by Christ for all of his disciples."
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