Patriarch Alexy II Congratulates John Paul II On 25th Anniversary of His Pontificate

This Thursday marks the 25th anniversary of the election of John Paul II as the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

In connection with this Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia sent a congratulatory message to Pope John Paul II on October 15.

The message was made public by the religious and scientific centre - the Orthodox Encyclopaedia - of the Moscow Patriarchy.

"You are known in the whole world as a selfless Christian, pastor, bishop, the Primate of the biggest Christian Church in the world," says the Patriarch in his address to John Paul II. "I pray that the Merciful God shall strengthen you in your service and show his grace to all the believers of your Church." Patriarch Alexy II wished John Paul II "good health, spiritual and physical strength and many years of life."

Olga Lipich, RIAN