To His Eminence
MARK
Metropolitan of Berlin & Germany

To the Members of the Synod of Bishops, the Clergy & Flock
of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

Your Eminence, reverend archpastors and pastors, dear brothers and sisters!

It was with great sorrow that I heard the news of the repose of the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York.

The late Vladyka devoted his whole life from childhood to serving the Holy Church. His name will always remain a part of the history of the Russian Diaspora and of Russia. Metropolitan Hilarion’s contribution to the reestablishment of unity of the Russian Church was immeasurable. He always showed love and prayerful support to Our House, and a deep understanding of our mission in today’s world. For us his death is not only a loss of an eminent hierarch, but of a very close spiritual friend and preceptor.

I, my son and heir Grand Duke George Mikhailovich and his spouse, Her Most Serene Highness Princess Victoria Romanovna, express our profound condolences and pray that the Lord grant rest to His newly departed servant, Metropolitan Hilarion, where there is no sickness, nor sorrow, nor sighing.

H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna

Madrid
May 4/17, 2022