Your Holiness, Dear Brother
The Primates of the Churches of the Anglican Communion, gathered in Alexandria in Egypt, have asked me to convey our warm and fraternal greetings to you, our brother in Christ, on your election to the Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia. This is an ancient and noble office, and one to which all the Christian world looks for an exemplary Christian witness.
The Churches of the Anglican Communion throughout the world have always valued and respected their links to the Orthodox Churches, and not least their warm relations with the Patriarchate of Moscow, and we trust that these fraternal bonds may be upheld and sustained in the years ahead as you embark on your ministry.
We welcome your election to this office, and offer you our sincere congratulations, and the promise of our prayers as you assume this burden of office, which is also a joy in the service of the Lord. May He who has called you to this work grant you every grace and spiritual nourishment to sustain you in it.
Axios!
With fraternal love and blessing:
+ Rowan Cantuar:
Dr Rowan Williams
Archbishop of Canterbury
From Alexandria, Egypt
1 February 2009