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Patriarchal condolences on the death of Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York

Patriarchal condolences on the death of Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York
Version for print
18 May 2022 year 15:00

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia expressed condolences on the death of the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York:

To the archpastors, clergy and all faithful children of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

Your Eminences and Your Graces,

Reverend Fathers, dear brothers and sisters,I was deeply grieved to learn about the demise of the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York. Please accept my deep condolences over this loss. 

Thoughout his life, the departed archpastor zealously worked for the glory of God, devoting his energy and talents to serving the Church of Christ and exerting unceasing efforts so that the word of God may grow and multiply (cf. Acts 12:24). God Almighty has taken His faithful servant on the eve of the 15th anniversary of the restoration of canonical communion and reunification of the Russian Church – a momentous historic event, in which Vladyka Hilarion took an active part.Continuing worthily the work of Metropolitan Laurus, the departed First Hierarch strived to steadily follow the path of his glorious predecessors, to be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Tim 4:12), showing good judgement and discernment and being aware of his special archpastoral responsibility for the people of God entrusted to him.With humbleness, meekness and great trust in the all-wise Divine Providence, Vladyka Hilarion was enduring a severe illness, mindful that none of us liveth to himself… for whether we live… or die, we are the Lord's (Rom 14:7-8).

May Christ the Giver of life and Vanquisher of death forgive the newly deceased Metropolitan Hilarion his every transgression, both voluntary and involuntary, establish his soul in the mansions where the righteous repose, and make his memory to be blessed and eternal.

With love in our Lord Jesus and with sincere condolences,

+KIRILL

PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA

Version: Russian

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