Primate of the OCU congratulates Ecumenical Patriarch on his birthday

"By granting the Tomos of autocephaly, Your All-Holiness, the beloved bishop in Christ, have not abandoned our ancient and apostolic local church at the time of its foundation, but also the youngest in the diptych, continuing to sacrificially serve the cause of its growth and recognition by other sister churches. For this, you have to endure a lot of unfair and baseless accusations, even angry verbal attacks from those who would like to continue to rely on the forces of this world in church affairs, and not on truth and love," the greeting message reads.

The Primate of the OCU noted that this year Ukraine will celebrate the 30th anniversary of independence, and Ukrainians are waiting for the arrival of Patriarch Bartholomew in Kyiv.

"While offering fervent prayers for you, we wish you good health, longevity, many blessed years of service to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and all orthodoxy, and success in all good deeds on the occasion of your birthday.

May the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, whom you have faithfully served since your youth, multiply and generously give you everything for good!"