NEW YORK: February 27, 2013
The First Hierarch Sends Condolences on the Death of Vladimir Vasilievich Boikov

From the Editors: On Monday, February 25, 2013, the feast day of St Alexei, Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia, after a long and grave illness, Vladimir Vasilievich Boikov reposed in the Lord. He was a long-time active church figure in the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, having reared several clergymen and active church members. His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, sent his condolences to Mrs Sofia Boikova, the widow of the reposed, and to his relatives. The funeral of servant of God Vladimir will take place in the large Protection Church on Cabramatta (Sydney) on Friday, March 1.

Dear Sofia Mikhailovna, Dear in the Lord Fathers, Brothers and Sisters:

I hereby express my profound empathy over the sorrow that has come upon you, and prayerfully wish Christ’s peace and heavenly aid, and for Vladimir Vasilievich I wish the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal peace in God!

Peace can only be sweet after difficulties, and only those who labor benefit: “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them” (Revelation 14:13), witnesses the Word of God. The newly-departed servant of God Vladimir had labored long in his life; his entire life, one can say, was spent in labors without rest. He worked greatly for the Church of God, and for his family, for many members of our Australian and New Zealand flock. But his labors are now ended, sickness and sighs have gone, life has been extinguished. Now all gather at Protection Church in Cabramatta to see off this humble but worthy laborer to the place of eternal peace and rest, after his selfless toils.

I send my mind’s final kiss to the reposed, and join you in the prayer: “O Lord, set to rest the soul of Your servant where all the saints repose. O kinfolk and friends, lifting your sorrow to the Lord,” pray without ceasing that He grant us, too, such a peaceful Christian end, as He granted to the newly-reposed Vladimir. Amen.

With love in the Lord,

+ HILARION,
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

February 28 , 2013.