MOSCOW: 29 January 2026
Patriarch Kyrill congratulates Metropolitan Mark of Berlin and Germany on his 85th birthday

Your Eminence:

I sincerely congratulate you on your 85th birthday, this memorable personal milestone, fervently asking from the “One Mighty King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15) good health, peace of mind, and abundant assistance in your labors for the benefit of Holy Orthodoxy Christianity.

Your life, “filled with days” (Job 42:17), serves as an example of zealous service to Christ and His Church, and of determination to give up everything for the “wisdom from above” (James 3:17). Responding to the call of the Savior, embracing the angelic form and sacred office, for more than half a century you have stood before the throne of God, offering the Bloodless Sacrifice for all and for everything, and striving diligently to fulfill every obedience entrusted to you.

It is gratifying to note that over the past years of your episcopal service, you have made great efforts to develop diocesan life in the church district entrusted to you, spiritually guiding your flock, setting a personal example of piety, and lovingly bearing witness of our Lord Jesus to those near and far. In recognition of your service and in connection with this significant occasion, I deem it appropriate to honor you with the Order of St Sergius of Radonezh, 1st Degree.

May the Great and Gracious God, through the intercession of the Queen of Heaven, preserve you in strength for many and blessed years.

With love in Christ,

+KIRILL
PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA