Your Beatitude, Father and Master, with filial love and the deepest respect I come before you on your venerable name day, to express from my heart my warm wishes and my boundless gratitude to your person. Today is a joyful occasion for the entire flock of our Patriarchate, for we honour the venerable name of our Primate, our Father and Shepherd, His Beatitude Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria, who tirelessly and with apostolic zeal serves the Apostolic Throne of Saint Mark on the blessed continent of Africa. Your Beatitude, in your person I recognise the loving Father, the tireless missionary, the humble labourer of the Gospel. Your missionary work, your unceasing pastoral visits and your fatherly care for every cleric and every believer are for all of us an example of sacrificial love and authentic pastoral ministry. Personally, I feel the need to thank you warmly for the trust, the fatherly guidance and the unfailing support you give me. Your love has been my strength in difficulties, a light in decisions and a support in every ministry you have entrusted to me. My gratitude is not limited to words, but is expressed as deep devotion and willing obedience to your venerable person and to the Apostolic Church of Alexandria. I pray that the all-good God, through the intercessions of the holy and glorious Great Martyr Theodore, may grant you robust health, long life and strength of soul and body, so that you may continue for many years to shepherd with wisdom and discernment the flock entrusted to you. Many happy returns, Your Beatitude! Many and blessed years! With filial love, respect and devotion. †Nephon of Majunga and North Madagascar
