November 21, 2020

To their Graces Bishop Longin, Bishop Maxim, and Bishop Irinej
of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North, Central, and South America

Your Graces, dear Bothers in the Lord,

It is with great sadness and grief that I write to Your Graces to express my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved father in God, Irinej, Archbishop of Pec, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci and Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church. You have lost a father in this world, but you have gained a fervent prayer in heaven for the salvation of the entire Orthodox people of Serbia and across this world.

I remember the kind and lightfull presence of Patriarch Irinej during the festivities related to the canonization of St. Mardarije of Chicago and Libertyville in July 2017. I cherished our service together at the Divine Liturgy and my feelings of deep appreciation for a Father in the Orthodox Faith who expressed his care, love and compassion for his flock. Patriarch Irinej will be always remembered as a kind and loving father for his people and all Orthodox faithful throughout the World.

On behalf of the clergy and faithful of our Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas, please accept our sincere condolences to your clergy and the Serbian Orthodox people. We assure you of our prayers for the soul of His departed servant Patriarch Irinej!

Memory eternal!

† Metropolitan Nicolae