Communique regarding the Divine Liturgy and Funeral service for Patriarch Pavle of blessed repose

His Grace Bishop Irinej of Bachka, on behalf of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church, following a meeting of the Committee which is organizing the funeral of Patriarch Pavle of Serbia of blessed repose on Monday, November 16, 2009 at the Patriarchate, informed the media of some details related to the funeral service for Patriarch Pavle of Serbia of blessed repose.

Bishop Irinej informed that the Divine Liturgy will be served on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the Cathedral Church beginning at 7:30am, after which a funeral procession will be led to the St. Sava Memorial-Church on Vracar at 9:30am. The funeral service will begin at 11:00am and the burial will take place at Monastery Rakovica, in Belgrade.

According to the Patriarch's personal request and recommendation, the Holy Synod of Bishops appeals to all the faithful not to bring flowers to the funeral service, but to only use candles, and in lieu of flowers for the deceased to give a free will offering (according to their capabilities) for the completion of the Memorial Church of St. Sava in Vracar.

Bishop Irinej appealed to the media, both electronic and printed, not to invite inidividuals to their programs, nor conduct discussions or seek interviews from varios people, oftentimes uninformed, without the knowledge of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church, or those authorized members of the Committee for the funeral.

Submitted by Bishop Irinej of Bachka