Congratulations to Father Ivan Kovach on his 40th birthday

To the Reverend Priest Ivan Kovach
Rector of the Parish
of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos
in Dallas, Texas

Your Reverence, dear Father Ivan,

On this bright and joyous day, when by God’s mercy you have reached the fortieth year of your earthly pilgrimage, I heartily congratulate you on behalf of the clergy, monastics, and all the faithful children of the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate in America!

I know you, Father John, as a true shepherd by vocation and heart. For many years you served at the Throne of God as a deacon. More recently, in His boundless mercy, the Lord has called you to an even higher service, and now, as a priest, you bear the cross of pastoral ministry with genuine zeal, offering your flock an example of unwavering faithfulness to Christ, humble love, and tireless labor in the Lord’s vineyard.

I sincerely thank you for your love, your fatherly care, and your dedicated efforts in building up the young parish of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in Dallas and in advancing the Slavic mission within the Ecumenical Patriarchate. I also extend my gratitude to your dear matushka and children for the support and inspiration they continually give you in your ministry.

May Christ our Savior, who promised His disciples, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20), strengthen you, fill you with joy and peace, and ever assist you in your lofty priestly service. May the Most Holy Theotokos spread her holy omophorion over you and keep you under her protecting veil.

Many years to you, dear Father Ivan!

With love in Christ,

† Alexander
Bishop-elect of Nicopolis
Vicar of the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate in America