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Congratulations of His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill on the occasion of the opening of the Sumy Theological Seminary

To His Eminence

Eminence Evlogii,

Archbishop of Sumy and Akhtyrka,

the Rector of Sumy Theological Seminary

 

Your Eminence,

honorable Fathers, dear brothers and sisters!

In this Sunday, when we celebrate The Christ the Giver of Life, as well as honor the memory of  His disciple - apostle Andrew, I heartily congratulate you with the opening of the Sumy Seminary.

This is significant and joyful event for the Orthodox faithful of Ukraine, which feel hard times. Unfortunately, today again grabs churches by schismatics, and some media has campaigned against the Holy Church. In such circumstances, it is important to try, in the words of Scripture, to preserve the solidarity of the Spirit in the union of peace (Eph 4: 3.). In this way, in the past our ancestors in a difficult political situation for them, suffering oppression and subjected to hardship, resisted attempts to destroy the unity of the church. A considerable contribution to it introdused theological schools, especially the Kiev Academy, from which left many earnest servants of the altar of the Lord, outstanding ecclesiastical and secular scientists, statesmen and public figures.

I call teachers and students of Sumy Seminary work selflessly in spiritual enlightenment, harmoniously unite prayer and intellectual development of his personality, to bring to our Savior abundant and good results.

May God's blessing be with You.

+ Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus'