Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate department for external church relations, has greeted the Primate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church on the commemoration day of his heavenly patron, the Holy Martyr Neophytos. Below is the full text of the message of greeting.
Your Holiness,
I cordially greet you on the occasion of your Name Day.
The life of the Holy Martyr Neophytos reveals the indestructible power of a Christian who draws strength for his feat from the powerful action of divine grace dwelling in him.
Looking at the virtues of your heavenly patron, on his work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord (1 Thes. 1:3), you invariably take care of the assertion of our flock in the holy Orthodox faith which has supported the Bulgarian people throughout their ages-old history. By the example of your own pious life, you instruct the clergy and faithful entrusted to your care to live a life in harmony with the eternal truths of the gospel of Christ, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God (Col. 1:10).
I prayerfully wish your Holiness peace, beneficial strengthening of good health and God’s help in your lofty ministry.
With respectful love in the Lord,
Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk
Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations
Moscow Patriarchate