NEW YORK: February 22, 2017
Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York Expresses Condolences on the Death of Ambassador Vitaly Churkin

On Wednesday, February 22, 2017, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, Protopriest Andrei Sommer, Senior priest of the Synodal Cathedral of Our Lady “of the Sign” in New York and Vice President Synodal Youth Department, Protopriest Serafim Gan, Chancellor of the Synod of Bishops and Secretary of the First Hierarch, and Deacon Denis Lvov, Personal Assistant of Metropolitan Hilarion, attended the wake of the late diplomat Ambassador Vitaly Ivanovich Churkin at the Permanent Representation of Russia at the United Nations.

Approaching his widow, Irina Evgenievna, the representatives of the Russian Church Abroad extended the condolences of His Eminence.

“Having learned of the death of the universally loved and respected Vitaly Ivanovich, I hasten to express to you my profound condolences in your sorrow, to you and your relatives and friends,” read the letter.

“May the light that Vitaly Ivanovich left behind console and strengthen you and yours. May the light of God in whom Vitaly Ivanovich now abides bless him in eternal rest and peace,” concluded the First Hierarch.