Statement from the Alexandrian Gnostic Church on the Repose of Patriarch Alexei II

The Alexandrian Gnostic Church extends our thoughts and prayers to the clergy and faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church on the passing of HH Patriarch Alexei II, the 16th Patriarch of Moscow and the primate of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Patriarch Alexei led the Russian Orthodox Church through a challenging period as Russia emerged from the Stalinist period. When he ascended to the patriarchal throne in 1990, he was the first Patriarch in years to be elected without direct interference from the government.

He inherited a church that had been devastated and divided, and his reign as Patriarch is marked by significant restoration and growth. He rebuilt cathedrals, opened new seminaries, and encouraged the building and re-establishment of the monasteries that have been the jewel of Russian Orthodoxy. He also worked tirelessly to heal the breach with the church in exile, who had been separated from the Patriarchate for more than 80 years.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Russian Orthodox Church and offer our prayers during this difficult time.

On behalf of the Alexandrian Gnostic Church,

+Thomas, Ep. Gn.
Archbishop-Catholicos of the Alexandrian Gnostic Church
Bishop of New York and New Jersey
Titular Bishop of Pharos

Labels: alexandrian gnostic church, Patriarch Alexei II, Russian Orthodox Church

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