Metropolitan Hilarion expresses condolences over the death of Archpriest Alexander Makarov, a longstanding staff member of the DECR

The chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, expressed condolences over the death of Archpriest Alexander Makarov who worked in the DECR for many years. Father Alexander passed away in the Lord on January 22, 2022, at the age of 67. In his message to Bishop Thomas of Sergiev-Posad and Dmitrov and to the clergy and parishioners of the Church of the Transfiguration at the Zaprudnya village, Taldom district, Moscow region, and to the staff of the Department for External Church Relation, to the family and friends of the deceased, Metropolitan Hilarion writes:

Your Grace,

Reverend Fathers,

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It is with sorrow that I have learnt about the death of Archpriest Alexander Makarov, rector of the Church of the Transfiguration at the Zaprudnya village of the Taldom district, Moscow region, a longstanding staff member of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate.

It was almost thirty years that Father Alexander in his holy orders devoted to the zealous service of the Saviour and His Church. We knew him as a true servant at the Lord’s altar, a pastor by vocation and a reliable co-worker at the Department for External Church Relations. Father Alexander carried out the most important tasks with all the diligence, seeking to fulfil fittingly and perfectly the duties entrusted to him. For the years of his service, he gained high authority among his colleagues at the department and ardent love of this flock. In addition, the deceased pastor built a new church and formed a solid parish community in carrying out the task to serve the living God (Heb. 9:14) and seeking with apostolic zeal to oversee the flock according to Scriptures not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock (I Pet. 5:2-3). I believe that it was in him that the words of St. Paul were fulfilled: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

I pray to the Merciful Creator and Lord of Life and Death for Whom all live (Lk. 20:30) so that He may forgive the deceased Archpriest Alexander his trespasses voluntary and involuntary and grant him to hear the longed-for voice: Good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord (Mt. 25:21).

Eternal memory be to deceased Archpriest Alexander.

With condolences,

+ Hilarion
Metropolitan of Volokolamsk
Chairman
Department for External Church Relations
Moscow Patriarchate

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Metropolitan Hilarion expresses condolences over the death of Archpriest Alexander Makarov, a longstanding staff member of the DECR

Patriarch

Department Chairman

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Patriarch

Department Chairman

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