EXTRACTS FROM THE LETTER OF CONDOLENCES SENT BY METROPOLITAN JOHN I, ORTHODOX PRIMATE OF PORTUGAL, SPAIN AND ALL OF BRAZIL TO THE HOLY  PATRIARCHAL RUSSIAN CHURCH

METROPOLITAN JOHN, PRIMATE OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH OF PORTUGAL, asked  That all the parishies had a Trisagion in each one of the Orthodox Dioceses,  following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December 7th of 2008, on behalf of His Holiness Patriarch Alexis II of All Russia.

“On behalf of All the Holy Sinod of the Orhtodox Church of Portugal, Spain and All of Brazil, we send our deep condolences to All the Russian Patriarchal Church in this moment when the Blessed Patriarch Alexis II, passed away.”

His passing away is a deep wound not only for all the Russian Patriarchal Church, for the pious and devoted russian people, but also for all the orthodox christians which had the opportunity of

knowing and admire His high and large pastoral Work wisdom.

This Pastoral Work and Apostolic Mission, were fulfilled by His Holiness Patriarch Alexis II, inside the Holy Patriarchate of Moscow, precisely during the most significative moments of His rebirth after decades of periods rather dramatic and agitated.”

We had opportunity to be face to face, for listening and share with His Holiness Patriarch Alexis II of All Russia, rejoicing moments and – some – of great pain too...in each one of those quite different moments, the dimension of undaunted and intrepid Apostle was always present;

In each one of those moments, His Abrahonic Hospitality was permanently a harbour of refuge;

In each one of those moments His Disposability was a bright lighthouse of both steady and ready help;

In each one of those moments, His wise advice and encouragement were implements, which still nowadays, guide ou Pastoral Action in the Church.”

We were informed that even yesterday the holy Patriarch Alexis II, presided the Liturgical celebration of the Entrance of the most Holy Virgin Mary at the Temple and we do rejoice – in this very moment of pain – by knowing that he is now before the presence of the ALL Holy, The Theotokos and in the presence of Her Son, our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

“Beloved Metropolitans, Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Abbesses, Clergy, Monks, Nuns and Holy Christian Russian Orthodox People, facing these incommensurable lost;

before this time in which You prepare Yourselves for the farewell of Your Archquipastor, the Beloved Patriarch Alexis II and, simultaneously approaches the extraordinary and unutterable Task of Electing His Successor, we want to ensure You of our prayers.

In this period when we share Your deep suffering and national mourning, we also rise our earnest and fervent supplications before God by Your Pastor, so that He may find the everlasting reward due by His exceptional Pastoral Service, that undoutebly he practiced, remaining that so in the Blessed Hope of the Ressurrrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

May His memory be imperishable among men by His Apostolic Service through Him accomplished and may God Guard Him in His Eternal Memory in His Kingdom.”

METROPOLITAN JOHN OF PORTUGAL.