On the feast day of the 40 Martyrs of Sebastia, Patriarch Theophilos III of the Holy City of Jerusalem and All Palestine celebrated the day of the namesake.

The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus, congratulated His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem on his namesake, wishing him abundant God’s help in his future Patriarchal labors. The text of the congratulation is published on the Patriarchia.ru website.

“Looking at the feat of faith of your heavenly patron, the glorious martyr Theophilos of Sebastia, you strive, according to the word of the Apostle, with love and gentle spirit (1 Cor. 4:21) to perform the high ministry of the Primate of the Most Holy Mother of Churches and show tireless concern for the people entrusted by God to your care,” wrote the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The Patriarch expressed the hope that the consequences of the pandemic that cast a gloom on the past year will soon be overcome, and “numerous pilgrims will be able to rush to the Life-Giving Tomb of the Lord again.”

In conclusion, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church wished Patriarch Theophilos “abundant help from the Pastor Christ in further Patriarchal labors”, and his God-saved flock – peace and prosperity.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Russian Orthodox Church hopes for a new meeting in the “Amman format”, to which Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem had earlier called.