His Beatitude Sviatoslav Congratulates the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine and Kyiv on his 60th Birthday
His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, congratulated Moshe Reuven Azman, Chief Rabbi of Ukraine and Kyiv, on his 60th birthday. On behalf of the Head of the Church, the congratulations were personally conveyed at the anniversary celebration by Fr. Ihor Shaban, head of the UGCC Commission on Interconfessional and Interreligious Relations, and Fr. Mykola Sulyma, chancellor of the Patriarchal Curia.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the UGCC, and Moshe Reuven Azman, Chief Rabbi of Ukraine and Kyiv. Photo: Archives of the UGCC Information Department
“Dear Rebbe! On behalf of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, I sincerely congratulate You on your blessed 60th anniversary. In biblical tradition, this age is considered a special period of spiritual wisdom, when many years of service yield bountiful fruit for the community and for the people entrusted to You,” reads the greeting from the Head of the UGCC.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav also noted that the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine and Kyiv is celebrating his anniversary at a difficult time, when war has affected the lands close to his heart—Ukraine and Israel.
“These days, Your words of truth and support are especially valuable, giving people hope and strengthening their faith that after darkness, light will inevitably come, and after suffering, a just peace will reign. The great spiritual leader of the Jewish people, The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem-Mendel Schneerson, taught that even one good deed done with faith can bring light into the world. Your many years of service, dedication to the people, and courageous testimony to the truth are indeed such a light that strengthens hope and helps many not to lose faith in the victory of good,” said the Primate.
He also expressed his gratitude for the Chief Rabbi’s recognition of the righteous Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky and his efforts to promote his spiritual legacy.
“We believe that thanks to these efforts, his name will take its rightful place among the Righteous of the Nations. On this day, I pray for abundant blessings from the Almighty for You. May the Lord grant You good health and long life, fill Your heart with peace, give You joy in Your ministry, and the strength to continue to lead people on the path of faith and truth. May the Lord bless You, Your family, and the entire Jewish community of Ukraine with peace and goodness. Many blessed years!” — wished the Head of the UGCC.
о. Микола Сулима, рабин Моше Реувен Асман, о. Ігор Шабан
