His Holiness Patriarch Kirill sends greetings to Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ sent greetings to the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Mr Narendra Modi, on the occasion of his 75th birthday. The text of the letter is given below.

His Excellency Mr Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Republic of India

Your Excellency, dear Mr Prime Minister,

Please accept my heartfelt greetings on your 75th birthday.

You have devoted your life to serving the people of India, working tirelessly for the good of the Republic. It is gratifying that the course you chose to strengthen national unity, ensure economic growth and uphold traditional values receives support from your fellow citizens.

Over the years, the relations between our two nations have been marked by mutual trust, goodwill and striving for solidarity. We are united in our efforts to preserve peace and justice on the planet and raise the younger generation in the spirit of respect for the traditions of our ancestors, as well as mercy for the needy and destitute. May it continue this way.

The Russian Orthodox Church highly values its good relations with the Malankara Church of India, which make their substantial contribution to the development of bilateral cooperation between our two countries.

On this day of celebration, I wish you good health and success in your responsible work, and I wish peace and well-being to the people of India. 

Sincerely yours,

+KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUS’