His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia congratulated the teachers and students of theological educational institutions on the beginning of the academic year.
In particular, the message reads: "I cordially congratulate all of you on the beginning of the new academic year.
Studying at a theological school is one of the most intense and informative stages in the life of a person who has decided to devote himself to the service of the Lord and His Church. This period is associated not only with obtaining certain skills and knowledge, making new friends and expanding the circle of acquaintances, but also with the spiritual formation of a person and moral improvement, which, in turn, require a sincere desire to grow in the knowledge of God and bear fruit in every good deed (Col. 1:10). St. Filaret of Moscow wrote wonderfully about this: enlightenment brings good fruits to society only when faith serves as its basis (A collection of thoughts and sayings).
Today, our contemporaries face many different challenges, among which the trampling of Christian shrines and evangelical moral ideals is a special pain in the hearts of believers. In these difficult circumstances, theological schools are called to be important centers of religious education, where mentors and pupils convincingly testify to their faith, invariably showing neighbors and far away a good example in word, in life, in love and purity (1 Tim. 4:12).
On this festive day, I offer my special prayers for teachers and students and sincerely wish you all strength of body and soul, wisdom and patience, generous help from the Lord and success in your upcoming labors in the field of theological education.
May the blessing of Christ the Savior be with you all."