Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and all Scandinavia sent a letter of congratulations on the election and enthronement of the new Patriarch of Serbia, Porfirije.
In particular, the Metropolitan sent his condolences over the passing of Patriarch Irinej, praying “that God may grant eternal repose to His soul and provide His Church with a balsam of solace to ease your grief and fill your hearts with hope in the face of this challenge.”
The Metropolitan said that the election of Patriarch Porfirije served as a manifestation of Divine Providence while he said that he would be praying for him with profound appreciation.
Finally, he said the doors of the Metropolis of Sweden would always be open to the Patriarchate of Serbia.
Read the full letter of Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden:
Your Excellency Bishop Dositej,
I am writing to express my deepest condolences over the death of your beloved Patriarch Irinej. I was deeply saddened when I was informed of the truly sad news, and I hasten to convey my sympathy, prayers, and support on behalf of the entire Holy Metropolis of Sweden and All Scandinavia during these difficult moments.
A memorial service was contacted at the St. George Cathedral of Stockholm, immediately after His repose in the Lord.
Speaking from the personal experience I have gained during my seven years shepherding the Metropolis of Sweden, I have blessed memories from the latest visit of your late Patriarch to Stockholm, and our collaboration.
I pray that God may grant eternal repose to His soul and provide His Church with a balsam of solace to ease your grief and fill your hearts with hope in the face of this challenge.
I have no doubt in my mind that the election of your new Patriarch last week, His Beatitude Porfirije Peric, former Metropolitan of Zagreb and Ljubliana, is a manifestation of Divine Providence.
I will keep Him and Your Excellency in my prayers regularly with profound appreciation, since I was very honored to meet Him in person during the General Assembly meetings of the Conference for European Churches (CEC) in Novi Sad, in May 2018.
Our conversations were held strictly in Greek, since His Beatitude participated in the post-graduate studies program of the University of Athens.
I would also like you to know that His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew congratulated the new Patriarch over the phone, as well as in writing.
Your Excellency,
I convey to you my ever-present support, which is activated and strengthened by my prayers to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Please do not hesitate to call me and come to see me at the Metropolis headquarters in Stockholm, as the doors to my office are always open to you any time of the day.
I will be honored to personally give you a tour in the recently renovated Cathedral of St. George and congratulate Your Excellency in person for the election and enthronement of the new Patriarch of Serbia.
Uniting my prayers together with yours for the repose of the soul of your late Patriarch and my congratulations for the election of Patriarch Porfirije, I remain,
Prayerfully Yours,
+ Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden
