Русская Версия

December 6, 2009
The First Anniversary of the Death of Patriarch Alexey II

Saturday, December 5th, was the first anniversary of the passing of His ever-memorable Holiness, Alexey II, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. His Grace, Bishop George of Mayfield, published a statement in connection with this anniversary, which read, in part:

“His Holiness, Patriarch Alexey II, devoted his whole life to the service of Christ’s Holy Church, especially the suffering Russian Church. He ascended to the Patriarchal throne on the eve of the collapse of the Soviet Union, in a very difficult time for the Church. Over the 18 years of his Patriarchal service, His Holiness participated wholeheartedly in the rebirth of our homeland. During the final years of his earthly, Patriarch Alexey was able to commune from one Chalice with our beloved First Hierarch, the ever-memorable Metropolitan Laurus. In so doing, His Holiness finally united the Local Russian Church, becoming a symbol of unity for all Orthodox Christians the world over. Let us follow his example, applying all of our efforts to preserving unity in Christ our Savior. May the Lord grant rest unto the soul of our Patriarch, uniting him with the lambs of His chosen flock.”

On this sorrowful day, panihidas were served in many churches of the Eastern American Diocese for the repose His Holiness, the Patriarch. In Holy Cross Monastery, Bishop George served a panihida, as well.

 Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese