« Condolences of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II »

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia expresses condolences on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. 

To His Majesty King Charles III 

Your Majesty! 

It is with sadness that I received the news of the passing of your mother, Queen Elizabeth II. I express my sincere condolences to you and to all the subjects of the British Crown, mourning the loss that has befallen them. 

The reign of your late mother was the longest in the history of the United Kingdom. It was an era of dynamic development of state, economic, social and other spheres of the country's life. Throughout all this time, Her Majesty has remained a symbol of the stability, continuity and sustainability of centuries-old historical traditions, not only for her own nation, but for the entire continent of Europe. She was treated with great respect by political leaders and heads of the world powers. I recall with great warmth her visit to Russia in 1994, which left me with the highest impressions. 

I had the opportunity to get to know the late Queen personally when I met her during my visit to the United Kingdom. I can testify that she was a very open and warm person, sensitive to her interlocutor, a model of deep intellect and the highest culture. 

May our merciful Lord and God Jesus Christ receive with love the soul of the deceased Queen Elizabeth, console all those saddened by her passing, strengthen you and grant you His help in your upcoming royal service.

 

With sincere condolences,

+KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA