Very Reverend Father Nikolaus Wyrwoll,

thank you for your letter informing me about your visit to the Russian northern capital city this January and for your kind words. St. Petersburg is especially dear to me as it is associated with my childhood, my maturation and my spiritual and moral formation. I sincerely appreciate the fact that during your visit you came to the place where my parents lie in rest and honoured their memory in prayer.

Using this opportunity, I would like to wish you solid health, spiritual strength, peace and blessed success in your efforts.

With love in the lord

+ Kirill,
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia