MOSCOW: March 17, 2008
His Eminence Metropolitan Yuvenaly of Krutitsa and Kolomensk Will Lead a Delegation of the Moscow Patriarchate to Attend the Funeral of the Primate of the Russian Church Abroad

During divine services as Holy Trinity Cathedral in Danilov Monastery, His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia lifted up prayers for the repose of the newly-departed Primate of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Laurus.

In comments he made to the press afterwards, His Holiness noted that news of the death of Metropolitan Laurus was met with profound grief in the hearts of all Orthodox Christians.

“His image lives before us,” said the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church. “Vladyka just visited Moscow. It would have been difficult to believe that we are with him for the last time, that this was his farewell visit.

“Today, on the feast day of Holy Prince Daniil of Moscow, we performed a funerary service for the repose of his soul,” noted the Patriarch. “Vladyka Metropolitan Yuvenaly, a member of the Holy Synod, will represent the Moscow Patriarchate at the burial of Vladyka Laurus.”

“Yesterday I expressed my condolences to the members of the Synod of Bishops in a conversation with Archbishop Mark of Berlin and Germany, who called me to tell me about the death of Vladyka Laurus,” said His Holiness.

“In the days that follow we will prayerfully remember and thank him for enabling the reunification of the Russian Church Abroad with the Mother Church. I think that he has inscribed his name in the history of the Russian Orthodox Church; may his memory live from generation unto generation,” said Patriarch Alexy. “Eternal memory to him, and our memory of gratitude.”