Below is a translation of the letter of greetings from Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church on behalf of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia to Bishop Ivan Laptev of The Church of Ingria.

 

“Right Reverend Bishop,

 

“On behalf of the Most Holy Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, I cordially thank you for your Easter greetings!

 

“In these challenging times, our hearts are warmed by the joy about our Risen Savior. As we believe that “in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Cor. 15:22), we exclaim with the Apostle Paul, “O death, where is your sting? O hell, where is your victory?” (1 Cor. 15:55)

 

“As we celebrate the rising of our Lord from the grave, let us glorify His great mercy and love for His creation and let us not fear the trials that are sent down to us, for our God has “overcome the world.” (Jn. 16:33)

 

“I wish you paschal joy, strong health, and peace in your soul from the Lord.

 

“With love in the Risen Christ,

 

Hilarion

 

Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate

Metropolitan of Volokolamsk”