MOSCOW: March 17, 2008
His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II Expresses Condolences  On the Repose of His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus

The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church telephoned His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Berlin and Germany, Second Deputy of the President of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

During the call, His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II expressed his profound condolences to the Synod of Bishops, the clergymen and parishioners of the Russian Church Abroad on the death of His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus of Eastern America and New York.

His Holiness noted the leading role Metropolitan Laurus played in the work of reestablishing the canonical unity of the Russian Orthodox Church after decades of tragic division in the 20th century.

"We pray for the repose of the late Metropolitan Laurus in the Heavenly Abode," said the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church.