International Orthodox Christian News

Dear Fathers, Brothers and Sisters:

This morning, December 5th 2008, His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II fell asleep in the Lord. At 7pm, at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Patriarchal Cathedral, His Grace Bishop Mercurius of Zaraisk, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, will serve a solemn memorial service (panikhida) in memory of the newly departed Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church.

All the clergy and laity of the Patriarchal parishes are encouraged to participate. Should the clergy decide to do so, you need to arrive at the Cathedral (15 East 97 Street, NY, NY) by 6:45 pm December 5th.

All the Orthodox clergy and laity of the Sister Orthodox Churches are also cordially invited to share our grief over falling asleep of the Head of Our Church. Please, kindly inform of your intention to come and serve by contacting Very Reverend Igumen Joseph (Kryukov), Bishop Mercurius' secretary, at 917-379-4387 or 212-996-6638.

We also extend our invitation to be with us on this day to all the State officials, representatives of the Churches, and officers of all the cecular and religious organizations receiving this announcement. To inform us of you coming, please, kindly use the aforementioned telephone numbers.

Your condolences and other information may be emailed at this email-address, faxed at 212-427-5003, or sent to 15 East 97 Street, NY, NY 10029.

Sincerely,VRev. Igumen Joseph (Kryukov),Secretary to the Administrator of the Patriarchal parishes in the USA.

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