Your Beatitude Ieronymos, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, most beloved brother and concelebrant in Christ God, we embrace you and address you
The announcement of your worthy election to the Throne of Archbishop of the Church of Greece , sounded joyfully in our ears.
The choice and elevation to your high duties assure us of the successful new ecclesiastical path and situation of Your Archdiocesan activity and Your broader inter-ecclesiastical and inter -Orthodox witness and concern.
Your spiritual person, wider and all-admitted theological knowledge, your many years of experience in ecclesiastical issues, and especially your love for the Orthodox Church and the faithful people of God, provide the prerequisites for your bright future as Archbishop.
Therefore, we pray wholeheartedly that the Arch Shepherd Christ our Saviour will strengthen Your Beatitude in undiminished health and strength, for many years rightly to define the word of His truth, for the praise and glory of the Church of Greece and the Church everywhere.
Once again, we congratulate you on your election, fully embracing Your Beatitude and remaining Your beloved brother in Christ.
† THEODOROS II,
Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa
In the Great City of Alexandria
th February 2008
