14:30, 6 December 2008

Orthodox church in Abkhazia morns for patriarch Alexi II

The orthodox church of Abkhazia morns for Russia's patriarch Alexi II. Office for the Dead is served in all churches and monasteries of Abkhazia.

"Alexi II was a spiritual defender, he has done much for Abkhazia", said Reverent Vissarion (Apliaa), administrator of Sukhumo-Abkhazian Eparchy, to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent. He added that he intends to personally attend the funeral of Alexi II.

Sergei Bagash, president of Abkhazia, has also expressed his condolence on the occasion of the death of Moscow and Russia's patriarch Alexi II. "The orthodox church of Abkhazia morns for one of the leading peace-makers, spiritual leader, the memory of whom will remain in our hearts ", said Bagash, noting that the patriarch took part in the attempts to reconcile the conflicting parties in the Georgia-Abkhazia conflict, he called upon them to lay down arms and resolve the problems between Georgia and Abkhazia peacefully.

Patriarch Alexi II, who had been heading the Russian orthodox church for 18 years, died on Friday, December 5, at the age of 80 in his residence in Peredelkino.

Author: Anzhela Kuchuberiya, CK correspondent