His Eminence Metropolitan Bartolomeu Anania passed away

His Eminence Metropolitan Bartolomeu Anania passed away. A press release of the Press Office of the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac and Cluj informs:

'It is with much regret and sorrow in our souls, as well as with the hope in the mercy and comfort coming from God, that the Eparchial Council of the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac and Cluj announces that on 31 January 2011, 19.25 hours, our father, Archbishop and Metropolitan Bartolomeu Anania began his journey to the Kingdom of Heaven. The decease occurred at the Intensive Therapy Section of the Surgery Clinic I of Cluj-Napoca. Surrounded by physicians, friends, disciples and close collaborators, the body of His Eminence Bartolomeu could no longer fight against the many affections that marked the last period of his life. The body of the one who was Archbishop of Vad, Feleac and Cluj and Metropolitan of Cluj, Alba, Crisana and Maramures for 18 years will be laid in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Cluj-Napoca, where all those who wish can bring him one last homage.

The day of burial, in the hierarchs' crypt under the altar of the Metropolitan Cathedral will be announced later on.

In these days of mourning, the hierarchs, clergy and faithful of our Church will lift prayers for divine forgiveness and the joy of noble soul of our Father and the Metropolitan Archbishop Bartholomew and his eternal rest in God's kingdom, with His elect.

May God rest him in peace and may the Holy Spirit comfort all those mourning him!'

Message of Condolences of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel at the Passing Away of His Eminence Metropolitan Bartolomeu Anania

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel Addressed The Eparchial Council Of The Archdiocese Of Vad, Feleac And Cluj A Message Of Condolences At The Passing Away Of His Eminence Metropolitan Bartolomeu Anania, Which We Render Below:

To:
The Eparchial Council of the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac and Cluj

We learned with much sorrow in our soul of the passing away of His Eminence Bartolomeu, Metropolitan of Cluj, Alba and Maramureş, venerable member of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, distinguished man of culture, defender of the Romanian Orthodox tradition and great patriot.

His rich literary work and Christian missionary ethos, his thematic sermons and updating of the Holy Scriptures prepared him for the religious service, which crowned his long fruitful life.

The light gathered from the pages of the books, from the hard trials of the life, and the stable service of the Church, become bright landmarks for those who love the Church and the Christian culture.

We raise prayers, these days, for the rest of his soul in the light and peace of the Holy Trinity, together with the hierarchs of the Holy Synod, with the priests, monks and faithful of the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac and Cluj, with the people of culture close to the Church, as well as with the worthy servants of the Church of Christ of all times.

May he be always remembered from generation to generation!

† Daniel
Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church

Source: http://www.patriarhia.ro/en/