His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, on receiving the news of the passing of Patriarch Alexios II of Moscow and All Russia, during the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St Savvas the Sanctified in Alexandria, served an emotional prayer for the repose of the soul of the Primate of the Russian Church and spoke of him to the many faithful present, about the spiritual bonds which united him with Patriarch Alexios II for many years.
His Beatitude had bonded with the deceased Patriarch from 1985 when he was appointed Exarch of the Alexandrian Patriarchate to the Russian Church , but more especially from 1986 following the sudden passing of Patriarch Nicholas VI of Alexandria in Russia , while on an official visit. The then Metropolitan of Leningrad, later Patriarch Alexios II, fully supported the Alexandrian Exarch in his responsibilities for the preparation and transfer of the remains of Patriarch Nicholas VI, accompanying him to Egypt.
During his tenure as Patriarch, the late Alexios II surrounded with paternal love the and concern from 1990 the Bishop of Cyrene and Exarch of the Alexandrian Church in Russia, now Patriarch Theodoros II, and supported in all ways the Ancient Patriarchate, especially following the elevation to the Apostolic and Patriarchal Throne of St Mark in 2004 of His Beatitude Theodoros II.
In October of 2007, His Beatitude paid an official Conciliatory visit to the Church of Russia, within the framework of which he had the opportunity to have private contacts with the late Patriarch Alexios II, whom he met in Constantinople for the last time on the 11th and 12th October 2008 at the Synaxis of the Primates called by His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomaios.
Immediately following the passing of the Russian Primate His Beatitude sent the following Patriarchal letter of condolence to the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia:
Protocol Numbe: 583
To the Holy Synod
of the Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia
Moscow
Your Eminences and Holy Brothers,
On the sad news of the passing to the Lord of the late Patriarch Alexios II, who guided the Holy Church of Russia most skillfully for many years and under whom we, personally, while serving as Exarch in Moscow, received his assistance and support, through this fraternal letter we pass on to you and all the Hierarchs, clergy and the faithful people of Russia our heartfelt condolences and we pray the Lord of Eternal Life will number him among the Saints and the Righteous, and appoint a worthy successor.
We wish you also a long life, with the blessings of divine treasures and gifts, and we remain yours in the Lord’s love.
Your beloved brother in Christ,
THEODOROS II,
Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa
In the Great City of Alexandria
5th December 2008
