Patriarch Kiril Sends Message to Raul

HAVANA, Cuba, Mar 14 (acn)- The Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Kiril, sent a message to the President of the councils of State and Ministers of the Republic of Cuba, Army General Raul Castro, which was published on Monday by the Granma newspaper.

In his message, Patriarch Viril expresses his sincere gratitude for the Cuban President's invitation and for the warm welcome given to him and to the ecclesiastical delegation that accompanied him during his visit to "the blessed Cuban soil."
The Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia continues to say that he will keep in his heart the noblest memories of his visit to Liberty Island, as well as the feelings of affection and hospitality of the Cuban people. Also leaving in me very warm feelings, says Kiril, were the talks we held, during which I was convinced me, once again, of your candor and sincerity, your experience in the activity you carry out, your ability to make objective assessments of the processes under way in the world today. I hope, continues the text, to have the opportunity to continue our talks in the future. I will always be ready and it will be a great pleasure to meet you in Moscow.
It has been a great honor for me, refers Kiril on the text, to receive from your hands the highest decoration of the Republic of Cuba, the Jose Marti Order. I consider it as recognition and high esteem of the service of the Russian Orthodox Church. I would especially like to emphasize, points of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, the fact that His Excellency along with other leaders of the Cuban state were present at the Divine Office offered at the temple of Nuestra Señora de Kazan in Havana, sharing the joy of this feast with the Orthodox community in the city.
Particularly, reads the message, I want to thank you and the Cuban authorities for creating all the necessary conditions for my meeting with Pope Francis. I am sure that this event will open a new page in relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
And concludes the text: I wish you, dear Mr. President, a lot of spiritual and physical health, in addition to success in the provision of such responsible service for the well-being of the Cuban people.