To the Archpastors, Clergy & all Faithful Children of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

Your Eminences & Graces! Honorable fathers!
Dear brothers and sisters!

It was with great sorrow that I received the news of the repose of the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York. I express my deepest condolences for your loss.

All his life, the late archpastor worked zealously for the glory of the Lord, putting his strength and talents to the benefit of Christ’s Church and tirelessly caring that the word of God would grow and multiply (Acts 12:24). The Almighty called His faithful servant to Himself on the eve of the 15th anniversary of the Restoration of Canonical Communion and the reconciliation of the Russian Church, a landmark historical event in which Metropolitan Hilarion also took an active part.

A worthy successor to the labors of Metropolitan Laurus, the late First Hierarch aimed to steadily follow the path of his glorious predecessors, striving to "example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (I Tim. 4:12), showing balance and prudence, realizing his augmented archpastoral responsibility for the people of God entrusted to him.

With humility, meekness and strong hope in the wise Providence of the Almighty, Metropolitan Hilarion endured a serious illness that befell him, knowing that none of us liveth to himself; whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. (Rom. 14:7-8).

May Christ, the Giver of Life and Conqueror of Death, forgive the newly reposed Metropolitan Hilarion every sin, voluntary and involuntary, settle his soul in the abodes where the righteous repose, and grant him eternal and blessed memory.

With love in the Lord Jesus and with sincere condolences,

+KYRILL
Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia

patriarchia.ru