MOSCOW: November 4, 2011
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia Sends a Greeting to the Participants of the Commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Death of Protopriest Seraphim Slobodskoy

To Protopriest George Larin,
Rector of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY,
the Organizers, Participants and Guests of the Memorial Services on the
40th Anniversary of the Repose of Protopriest Seraphim Slobodskoy
(November 5, 2011, Nyack, NY, USA)

Very Reverend Father George,
Reverend Fathers, Dear Brothers and Sisters:

I send my heartfelt greetings to all of you who have gathered on this day in New York to honor the memory of Protopriest Seraphim Slobodskoy.

It brings me joy that these events have united those for whom the spiritual legacy of this eminent clergyman is real and vital.

With the help of the textbook The Law of God, published by Fr Seraphim over fifty years ago, several generations of our compatriots have been reared in faith and piety. And today, despite the publication of many new books, the students of Orthodox parish and religious schools throughout the world continue to turn to this textbook, written by a good pastor and talented teacher.

It is notable that the day of his death coincided with the St Dimitry Saturday of the Commemoration of the Dead [“Parents’ Saturday” in Russian—Ed.] when the Holy Church raises special prayers for the repose of warriors who laid down their lives for the Faith and Homeland. Indeed, the late pastor, as a true warrior for Christ, served God faithfully, as well as his Homeland and the flock of the Russian Orthodox Church scattered throughout the world.

I express special gratitude to Alexei Seraphimovich Slobodskoy, who undertook to write a book on the life and various works of his father.

I raise my own prayers for the repose of the soul of the esteemed Protopriest Seraphim. I wish all those in attendance good health, courage and successes in their own labors.

May the blessing of the Lord be with you all,

+KIRILL
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia

The original Russian-language letter can be viewed here.