His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos,

        Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco

        Your Eminence,

        It is with deep sadness that we have heard about the passing to eternity of His Eminence Metropolitan Ilia, our brother and concelebrant of the holy mysteries. His Eminence was truly a devoted hierarch of the Albanian Orthodox Diocese of America.

        We have always felt blessed by his presence among the hierarchs at various gatherings, including the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America. We know and appreciate his long friendship with many of us, hierarchs, priests, and Orthodox faithful.

        On behalf of the clergy and faithful of our Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas, please accept our sincere condolences. We pray our Lord Jesus Christ to establish his soul where the righteous repose! We assure you of our prayers for the soul of His departed servant Metropolitan Ilia!

        May God rest his soul in peace! May his memory be eternal!

        † Metropolitan Nicolae