Metropolitan Jonah sends letter of condolence to His Grace, Bishop Mercurius of Zaraisk, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, on the repose of Patriarch Aleksy II of Moscow
On December 5, 2008, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah sent a letter of condolence to His Grace, Bishop Mercurius of Zaraisk, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, on the occasion of the repose earlier that day of His Holiness, Patriarch Aleksy II of Moscow and All Russia.
Metropolitan Jonah’s letter reads as follows.
“On behalf of the Holy Synod of Bishops, together with the clergy and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America, I express my heartfelt condolences on the falling asleep in the Lord of His Holiness, Patriarch ALEKSY II.
“The falling asleep of His Holiness is a tremendous loss for the Russian Orthodox Church and the entire Orthodox world. In particular, His Holiness had a special relationship with our Church, being the guest of the Orthodox Church in America on several memorable visits. He will be remembered as an excellent Church leader, a man of great spiritual insight, wisdom and pastoral understanding.
“His Holiness also possessed the wonderful quality of great personal warmth and sensitivity, which he graciously shared with me, as he did with thousands of other people.
“To Your Grace and the members of all of the Patriarchal parishes under your omophorion, we offer our sincere affection and brotherly love at this sad time. Our mourning will be joined with yours and that of all of the hierarchs, clergy and faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church. Also know that the memory of His Holiness, the newly-departed Patriarch ALEKSY will remain forever in our hearts and thoughts.
“May Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, grant to His noble servant, His Holiness, the ever-memorable Patriarch ALEKSY, rest with the saints and make his memory to be eternal.”
Information on funeral services for His Holiness, Patriarch Aleksy will be posted on the OCA.org web site when it becomes available.