SUBJECT: RELIGION!!!

It is with great sadness that I report the sudden death at 79 of Alexei II, Patriarch of Moscow and of all the Russias, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church. He had led the 100 million strong church since 1990.

The following telegram was sent to the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI:

I was profoundly saddened to receive news of the death of His Holiness Alexy II, Patriarch of Moscow and of All the Russias, and with fraternal affection I wish to convey to the Holy Synod and to all the Members of the Russian Orthodox Church my most sincere condolences, assuring you of my spiritual closeness at this very sad time. In my prayer I beseech the Lord to welcome into his Kingdom of eternal peace and joy this tireless servant, and to grant consolation and comfort to all those who mourn his passing. Mindful of the common commitment to the path of mutual understanding and cooperation between Orthodox and Catholics, I am pleased to recall the efforts of the late Patriarch for the rebirth of the Church, after the severe ideological oppression which led to the martyrdom of so many witnesses to the Christian faith. I also recall his courageous battle for the defence of human and Gospel values, especially in the European Continent, and I trust that his commitment will bear fruit in peace and genuine progress, human, social and spiritual. At this sad time of loss, as his mortal remains are consigned to the earth in the sure hope of resurrection, may the memory of this servant of the Gospel of Christ be a support for those who are now in sorrow and an encouragement for those who will benefit from his spiritual legacy as leader of the venerable Russian Orthodox Church.

With fraternal affection in the Risen Lord,

BENEDICTUS PP. XVI

May the soul of Patriarch Alexei II, and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. To any of my Orthodox readers (Russian or otherwise) please accept my deepest sympathy.

Papa Z