MOSCOW: 11 July 2023
Patriarchal greetings to Archbishop Peter of Chicago and Mid-America on the 20th anniversary of his episcopal consecration

PATRIARCH KIRILL OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA
12.07.2023 115191 Moscow, Danilovskii val, h. 22

No. 01/3353

To His Eminence
Archbishop Peter
of Chicago and Mid-America

Your Eminence:

Accept my heartfelt greetings on your important personal dates—the 20th anniversary of your episcopal consecration and your approaching 75th birthday.

It was given to you to grow spiritually under the wise guidance of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco, who at the time headed the Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, and now entered into the list of the hosts of saints and especially revered throughout the Orthodox world.

Having received a theological education, you fulfilled for many years various important obediences, and then accepted monastic tonsure and the priesthood. Beholding your zeal, the Savior deemed to include you among the successors of the Apostles, illuminated by the rays of light of the Consoler (sticheron in the 8th tone on Wednesday evenings). Since then and even now, over the course of 20 years, you earnestly perform your archpastoral service in the Chicago Diocese, exerting your efforts so that “the word of God increase; and the number of the disciples multiply” (Acts 6:7).

In view of your labors and in connection with the significant dates I deem it just to grant you the Order of St Seraphim of Sarov, 2nd Degree.

May the Almighty Lord send down upon you good health, boldness of spirit and His unwavering help in your future work towards the good of the Holy Church.

With love in Christ,

+KIRILL
PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA