Bishop Irinej: Condolences оffered оn the repose of Patriarch Ignatius IV of Antioch

His Grace Bishop Irinej of the Metropolitanate of Australia and New Zealand of the Serbian Orthodox Church, having learned of the falling asleep in the Lord of the deeply revered Patriarch Ignatius IV of the Antioch and All the East, extended to His Eminence Archbishop Paul of Sydney, Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines, the reverend clergy, venerable monastics, and faithful of the Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East, his most sincere and heartfelt condolences and prayers for the repose of His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius IV.

His Beatitude, who fell asleep on 5 December 2012, was well know throughout the Orthodox Oikoumene and beyond for having so diligently, steadfastly and lovingly laboured as an exemplary primate and dignified intellectual in preserving and promoting Orthodox Christianity in the historic lands, where the followers of Christ were first called Christians (Acts 11:26).

May our Lord, The Life and Resurrection, grant Memory Eternal to Patriarch Ignatius IV and comfort those who mourn his loss, concluded Bishop Irinej, whilst continuing to guide the helm of the Holy Church of Antioch during these exceedingly turbulent times.

Source: www.soc.org.au