CONSTANTINOPLE – His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent a heartfelt letter to the Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Irinej, wishing him a speedy recovery.

Patriarch Irinej contracted the Coronavirus and has been hospitalized. Recently he officiated at the Funeral Service of Metropolitan Amhilohej of Montenegro, who lost his battle with the Coronavirus.

Patriarch Bartholomew’s letter was handwritten, which shows the nearness and the friendship between the two Patriarchs.

The text of the message follows:

“I was informed that you suffering due to health issues. I would like to wish you a speedy recovery. I am certain that you will soon recover, physically, and spiritually. The power of Your faith will prove to be stronger than the Coronavirus and, therefore, you will soon return to Your high and sacred duties. This is what we all wish here at the Phanar, together with the Hierarchs, your clergy and your people, who are praying constantly for their respected Patriarch. Your Beatitude, we sincerely love you and we pray intensely and fervently for You.”

The handwritten letter of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to His Beatitude Patriarch Irinej of Serbia who is hospitalized due to coronavirus.
(Photo by Ecumenical Patriarchate)