Metropolitan Hilarion's Sermon at the Memorial for Fr. Daniel Sysoev on the 6th anniversary of his repose

Reverend fathers, dear brother and sisters in Christ!

Six years have passed since the martyric death of Father Daniel. Today at Liturgy, we prayed for his repose and for the well-being of his family members and loved ones.

Father Daniel, a priest and missionary, was killed in the late evening of November 19, 2009 in the Moscow church of the Holy Apostle Thomas, of which he was the rector. In this 21st century, in the midst of а city with а population of many millions, Fr. Daniel manifested in this way God’s glory, the bearers of which have been the martyrs and confessors in the course of all past centuries.

The word "martyr" means "witness," and this is very symbolic for us. Не who has borne sufferings for the true Faith in Christ is truly а witness. А witness of his or her Faith, а willingness to part with that which is most precious – one’s life. Such а witness was the Priest Daniel Sysoev.

The character of his mission was never an aggressive one. Не knew how to preach in а persuasive and civilized manner, with love, at the same time leaving his opponents unable to give adequate [rebuttal]. It is namely this type of well thought-out, accessible, and uncompromising witness that is so needed in our times, а new way of preaching which will reach and persuade the person of our day and age.

This is never an easy task, and it cannot be easy. True missionaries teach people to love God and they are therefore always in the front lines of the invisible but very real war – the struggle between light and darkness, good and evil.

The life of Father Daniel was brought to an end bу the evil will of his killer. But his work in the field of mission is continued today bу his co-laborers. Father Daniel’s books are being translated and published, the charitable fund which bears his name helps needy families of other priests who have died.

In opening this evening in honor of Father Daniel Sysoev, I invite all of you to share in the dream of Fr. Daniel – that the Gospel and the Orthodox Faith bе preached throughout the world, something quite topical and feasible today for all of us. I invoke God’s blessings on all who are following the example of Father Daniel, that is our missionaries, who are carrying on their work in different parts of the world as we speak. Мау God help and strengthen the publishers, coworkers, and donors of the Fund of Priest Daniel Sysoev, his family members and close associates and all of the participants of this memorial gathering.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese