His Holiness, Patriarch Kyrill of Moscow and all Rus', congratulated His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, on the occasion of his 55th birthday. 

To His Grace Matthew
Bishop of Sourozh
Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA & Canada

Your Grace!

Christ is Risen!

I address you with the life-affirming Paschal greeting, sincerely congratulating you on your 55th birthday.

Having understood that this also cometh forth from the Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working (Is. 28-29), you decided to dedicate you life, accepted holy orders and executed various obediences in Tambov. In time, witnessing your dedicated labors in the vineyard of the church, the Almighty deemed it worthy to continue in the hierarchal rank. 

Now you administer the Diocese of Sourozh as well as the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA & Canada. It is gratyfying to bear witness that with diligence, you care for those entrusted to you so that everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way (1 Cor. 14:40), and you aspire to be a good example to the clergy and faithful. 

In honor of your service and in connection with the momentous date, I deem it worthy to award you with a patriarchal gramota.

May the Savior who rose from the dead, strengthen your labors and may He bestow His generous help in your further archpastoral work to the glory of Holy Orthodoxy.

With Love in the Risen Lord,

+KYRILL
Patriarch of Moscow & all Rus'