Patriarchal Condolences on the Tragic Death of Archbishop Serapion of Kokshetau and Akmola

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia expressed his condolences on the tragic death of Archbishop Serapion of Kokshetau and Akmola:

To His Eminence, the Most Reverend Alexander, Metropolitan of Astana and Kazakhstan, Head of the Metropolitan District of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Republic of Kazakhstan

To the Clergy and Faithful of the Kokshetau Diocese

To the Family and Relatives of Archbishop Serapion of Kokshetau and Akmola

Your Eminence!

Right Reverend Bishops, Reverend Fathers, Dear Brothers and Sisters!

I am deeply grieved by the news of the tragic death of the ruling hierarch of the Kokshetau Diocese of the Metropolitan District of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Archbishop Serapion, in a car accident.

Having dedicated his life to serving God and people, the late hierarch labored tirelessly in the Lord’s vineyard. He was entrusted by the ecclesiastical authority with various obediences, which he always strove to fulfill with diligence and responsibility.

In 2013, the Lord deemed him worthy to receive the rank of bishop. For more than ten years, Archbishop Serapion led the Kokshetau Diocese, striving to be a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). He devoted himself tirelessly to the development of diocesan and parish life in the ecclesiastical territory entrusted to his care and thus earned the love of his spiritual children, clergy, and flock.

Expressing my deepest condolences to you all in this time of loss, I offer my prayers to the Lord for the repose of the soul of the newly departed Archbishop Serapion in the dwellings of heaven.

May his memory be eternal.

With love in Christ,

+KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA