December 27, 2016
An Appeal from the Chancery of the Moscow Patriarchate regarding Black Sea Plane Crash

Those clergy who are able to serve the panihida tonight – for the newly departed servants of God killed in the plane crash on the Black Sea – are encouraged to do so. In light of last minute circumstances, however, Metropolitan Hilarion has blessed our clergy to serve the panihida on Saturday evening, December 31, prior to the start of the All-Night Vigil.

Moscow Patriarchate
Chancery
December 25, 2016
№ 01/7597

TO ALL DIOCESAN BISHOPS

In connection with the crash of the Russian Federation Ministry of Defense airplane Tu-154, with the blessing of His Holiness KYRILL, Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia, a general panihida is to be served for the newly departed servants of God killed in the plane crash on the Black Sea in all churches of the Russian Orthodox Church on the third day after this tragedy – December 27. Further, daily commemoration of the departed at Proskomedia and Divine Liturgy must be performed until the fortieth day – February 2, 2017.

With love in the Lord,

+VARSONOFY (BARSANUPHIUS)
Metropolitan of St. Petersburg & Ladoga
Chancellor of the Moscow Patriarchate

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese