His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia kyr Kirill sent a congratulatory message to His Holiness Serbian Patriarch kyr Porfirije, in which, among other things, he stated:
 
I cordially congratulate You on the fortieth anniversary of Your monastic tonsure and ordination to the holy priesthood. Strengthened by the power of the Life-giving Spirit, You have long been laboring, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 2:3), in the field of service to Him, confirming multitudes of people in the faith of the Holy Fathers. Having devoted many years of diligent service to the Lord in the episcopal dignity, You humbly accepted Your election to the Patriarchal Throne of the Serbian Orthodox Church, for whose good order and advancement You now zealously and responsibly labor. On this festive day, I prayerfully wish Your Holiness robust health and the unfailing help of God in Your exalted ministry as First Hierarch.