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Dear Bishop Hovakim,
Grace and peace in the name of our common Lord.
Sincere congratulations! It gives me great joy to hear that you have been entrusted with an important ecclesial and pastoral responsibility by your church. Indeed, your election as Bishop to the Armenian Diocese of the United Kingdom and Ireland is a new and important station in your long and faithful pilgrimage at the service of your church and your people.
May God bless your new ministry. May our Lord Jesus Christ accompany you on the way. And may the Holy Spirit give you wisdom, strength, courage, and discernment in your efforts to lead your people who are so devoted to their church and their culture.
Be assured that our prayers will accompany you and that we will be glad to continue with you on the ecumenical journey which we have already been walking together over many years. I am grateful for your commitment to the ecumenical movement and your manifold contributions to the ecumenical work.
I have just sent a letter to His Holiness Catholicos Karekin expressing gratitude for his generous hospitality and genuine friendship during the executive committee meeting in Armenia. I would also like to extend my thanks to you too, since you have served as a real bridge and facilitator between your church and our committee, making its meeting in Armenia a real success.
Yours sincerely,
Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
General secretary
