The Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus Expresses Condolences on the Passing of Archbishop Serapion

January 29, 2025. Metropolitan Benjamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, expressed his condolences on the passing of Archbishop Serapion of Kokshetau and Akmola:

To His Eminence, the Most Reverend Alexander, Metropolitan of Astana and Kazakhstan

Your Eminence, dear Vladyka Alexander!

With profound sorrow, I received the news of the tragic passing of Archbishop Serapion, your brother and co-laborer in the archpastoral ministry, the diocesan bishop of the Kokshetau and Akmola Diocese of the Metropolitan District of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Our All-Merciful Lord Jesus Christ, who descended into the depths of the earth, conquered death, and shattered the gates of Hades, calls every person to Himself at the time most favorable for their salvation. Undoubtedly, the departure of any person from this life is always a great sorrow, which cannot be endured without grief and heartbreak. However, we believe that for the departed and for each of us, the conclusion of the earthly path is merely a transition into eternal existence.

Vladyka Serapion worthily completed the earthly path prepared for him by the Chief Shepherd, the Lord. Having received a spiritual education, he accepted monastic tonsure, was ordained first as a hierodeacon and then as a hieromonk, diligently laboring in the various obediences entrusted to him, serving the divine services with zeal and fervent faith and caring for the spiritual well-being of his flock.

Having taken up the lot of apostolic ministry, for more than ten years, he wisely guided his flock with steadfast words and a firm hand, with the Lord’s help (Mark 16:20), leading them into the safe harbor of the Heavenly Kingdom. Trusting in the living God, who is the Savior of all men (1 Tim. 4:10), he worked tirelessly to restore, build, and adorn churches and monastic communities, thereby earning the love and respect of his brother bishops, clergy, and the faithful of the Kokshetau and Akmola Diocese.

Dear Vladyka Alexander!

Please accept my heartfelt condolences, as well as words of sympathy and comfort to the clergy and flock of the now-orphaned diocese, and to the relatives and loved ones of the departed. I lift up prayers to the Lord, the Master of both the living and the dead, that He may grant repose to the soul of the newly departed archpastor in the dwellings of the righteous, where there is no more sickness, sorrow, or sighing, but life everlasting. May He incline His mercy toward him and, through the immeasurable depths of His love for mankind, grant him remission of sins (Canon, 2nd Tone, Matins for Saturday) and grant him eternal memory. May the Physician of souls and bodies grant a swift recovery, spiritual strength, and courage to all those who have suffered.

With brotherly love in Christ,

Metropolitan Benjamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus