NEW YORK: May 29, 2020
The First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad sends condolences to Metropolitan Mark of Berlin and Germany on the repose of Archbishop Agapit of Stuttgart

To His Eminence Metropolitan Mark
of Berlin and Germany,
Vice President of the Synod of Bishops

Your Eminence Vladyko!

It is with heartfelt pain, yet with hope for eternal life that I received news today of the repose of Archbishop Agapit of Stuttgart, and hasten to express my empathy in the sorrow of Your Eminence, the brethren of St Job of Pochaev Monastery in Munich, the relatives and friends of the reposed, the clergy, parishioners and worshipers not only of the Stuttgart Vicariate of the German Diocese, but of all of Western Europe.

Our dear Vladyka Agapit was a very personable archpastor who loved the monastic brethren and his flock. Despite his lofty episcopal rank, he always remained first and foremost a monk and a Christian person, which was how he conquered and guided the hearts of people. Vladyka loved divine services, the history and legacy of our Mother Church, he venerated the memory of the saints of our historic Motherland, which is suffused with the blood of the New Martyrs and Confessors. His Eminence’s reports at the Councils of Bishops were very valuable, when he lovingly, patiently and with discernment proposed solutions to questions of Church-wide life.

May the Lord, Risen in glory, lift up His Eminence Vladyka Agapit to the abodes of the righteous and may He grant Your Eminence, the monastics, relatives, friends, clergymen and parishioners His consolation, abundant mercies and blessings.

Beseeching your holy prayers, I remain with love in the Lord,

+HILARION,
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

Ascension of the Lord 2020.