Metropolitan Herman expresses condolences on the murder of Taize community’s founder
— His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, sent a letter of condolence to Brother Alois and the members of France’s Taize monastic community upon learning of the murder of the community’s founder, Brother Roger, on August 17, 2005.
Brother Roger was stabbed in the neck by a woman in view of over 2000 people who had gathered for a service at the ecumenical community.
The text of Metropolitan Herman’s letter reads as follows.
“Having just learned that Brother Roger’s life on earth has been senselessly taken from him and that he has fallen asleep in the Lord, I greet you with brotherly love in Christ and extend my sincere condolences.
“Throughout the many years of his monastic life and service, Brother Roger was a well-known example of dedication to the work of Christian Unity.
Through the example of his life, Brother Roger reminded all Christians of our call to be one in the Lord. The great legacy that he leaves behind has now been entrusted to you.
“Be assured of our fervent prayer that the Lord will grant rest with the saints to His newly-departed servant, Brother Roger, and make his memory to be eternal!”