A letter of condolence was sent by Archbishop Anastasios of Albania from Evangelismos Hospital, where he is currently being hospitalized, to the Locum Tenens of the Patriarchate of Serbia in Belgrade to express his sorrow for the repose of Patriarch Irinej of Serbia.
As he said, among other things: “Patriarch Irinej was shepherd to his people whom he loved with self-sacrifice and wisdom and he contributed to the reinforcement of the unity of Orthodoxy.”
Read the full letter sent by Archbishop Anastasios of Albania:
His Eminence Chrysostomos
Metropolitan of Dabrobosnia
Locum Tenens of the Patriarchate of Serbia
BeogradIt is to our distress of heart that we are informed of the departure to the Lord of our beloved brother and concelebrant, Patriarch of Serbia Irenaeus, who was distinct in his gentle, decent and peaceful character, in his genuine feelings, and his deep Orthodox spirituality. Patriarch Irenaeus, of blessed memory, was shepherd to his people whom he loved with self-sacrifice and wisdom, and he contributed to the reinforcement of the unity of Orthodoxy. May our God rest his compassionate soul among the just.
We express our sincere condolences to the venerable Hierarchy, the pious clergy, and the faithful of the Church of Serbia with whom we are humbly joining in prayers during this period of great grief.
The bright figure of the unforgettable Patriarch Irenaeus will certainly inspire those worldwide who love the Lord and are looking for examples of genuine Christian ethos.
With distinct honor and brotherly love in Jesus Christ for whom and through whom everything exists (Heb 2:10).
+ Anastasios
Achbishop of Tirana, Durres and all Albania
From the unit of intensive care, Hospital “Evangelismos”
