To His Eminence,
The Most Reverend Daniel
Archbishop of Chicago and the Midwest
Your Eminence, dear Vladyko!
I warmly congratulate you on this remarkable occasion—your 70th birthday! Your life testifies to the fact that a soul that sincerely believes will always find paths leading to the light of the holy Orthodox faith. You have traveled a long journey to the Orthodox Church and to the high archpastoral service, fortifying Yourself with the works of the Holy Fathers, whose wisdom and spiritual experience remain relevant through the centuries, inspiring Christians toward strong faith, the pursuit of perfection, and the search for inner peace.
“You have made us for Yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in You”: so writes the illustrious Western holy hierarch, blessed Aurelius Augustine. This divine rest, as a Bishop of the Church of Christ, You daily proclaim to those near and far, preaching the Risen Savior and praying to Him for the devout flock entrusted to Your pastoral care. Now, dear Vladyko, as the light on a stand (cf. Matt. 5:14-16), you shine with a steady light, guiding the faithful on the Gospel path toward salvation.
I prayerfully wish that the grace and love of our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, may always be with Your Eminence, strengthening You in Your responsible apostolic ministry for the glory of our Heavenly Father, for the benefit of the Holy Church, and for the God-loving flock of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest!
With brotherly love in Christ,
+MELETIY
Metropolitan of Chernivtsi and Bukovina,
Head of the Department for External Church Relations of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church,
Permanent Member of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church
