President Sargsyan extends condolences over Alexy II death

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan extended his condolences to his Russian counterpart Dmitri Medvedev over the death of Patriarch of Moscow and of All Russia Alexy II, the RA leader's press office told PanARMENIAN.Net



The letter states:



"I express my deepest condolences on the occasion of demise of the Patriarch of Moscow and of All-Russia Alexy II.



The life and works of His Holiness were and will be the example of persistence, dedication and profound desire to serve his people. Sixty years, which he spent with the Church, encompass all the stages of Russia's modern history, some of which were particularly difficult in the state-church relations. Today, it can be stated with confidence that he made an enormous contribution to the re-establishment of the Church's position in the Russian society.



Undoubtedly, the main achievement of the Patriarch was the re-union of the Russian Orthodox and Russian Church Abroad - a task to which he was genuinely dedicated.



In Armenia His Holiness was well-known, highly esteemed and loved. He had a great input in the development of the relations between the Russian Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic Churches. We also remember and greatly appreciate his efforts directed at the strengthening of peace in the Caucasus.



On behalf of the people of Armenia and my own behalf, I express our sincere condolences to you, the people of the Russian Federation, and the followers of the Russian Orthodox Church."