His Holiness Patriarch Alexy resumes his regular responsibilities

HIS HOLINESS PATRIARCH ALEXY RESUMES HIS REGULAR RESPONSIBILITIES

Since the moment the news of the unprecedented seizure of the theatre in Dubrovka street by the terrorists reached His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia, he has concentrated in intense prayer for the destinies of the innocent hostages, sympathizing with their near and dear ones. Before his return to Moscow from vacation on 24 October 2002 and after it His Holiness constantly monitored tragic developments and prayed for the hostages. A number of consultations were held to help people who were in mortal danger. In the morning of October 24 a special statement of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia was issued in connection with the terrorist act in Moscow.

On 25 October 2002, at the Divine service celebrated in the Convent of the Elevation of the Cross in the village of Lukino, Moscow region, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church offered up his ardent prayers for the ‘suffering servants of God captured in the city of Moscow, for their health and deliverance’.

The working schedule of His Holiness the Patriarch was changed due to the tragic events in the theatre in Dubrovka. During those days His Holiness countervailed the intention of the terrorists to sow panic and create instability in society. His Holiness called upon the compatriots to retain hope and courage and not to succumb to despair and depression.

On 26 October 2002 His Holiness the Patriarch offered up his thanksgiving prayer to the Lord for the end of the tragic crisis in Moscow and went to the Astrakhan diocese to celebrate its 400th anniversary as was planed earlier.

During his stay in the Astrakhan diocese His Holiness the Patriarch became unwell, shortened the program of his visit and decided to prolong his stay in Astrakhan for one day for a short rest and medical treatment.

On 29 October 2002 His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia returned to Moscow, where medical doctors treated him and made out a diagnosis of high blood-pressure crisis with the elements of dynamic interruption of cerebral circulation of the blood.

On 31 October 2002 President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation visited His Holiness in the hospital.

Also visiting His Holiness were several church, state and public figures of the country.

The Primates of the Local Orthodox Church, religious leaders of other faiths and many state figures and representatives of civil society addressed warm words of encouragement and support to His Holiness.

The archpastors, pastors, the religious and laymen prayed in all churches of the Russian Orthodox Church for the recovery and good health of their Primate.

On 4 November 2002, the feast day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, His Holiness the Patriarch congratulated Orthodox Christians in his special message broadcast on TV.

At present the physicians of the Patriarch state that there is a positive dynamics in the state of his health. His Holiness was transferred from the unit of intensive care to recuperation room. He prays every day, receives visitors, considers petitions and letters addressed to him and takes decisions on different issues of church life. On Sundays His Holiness prays and takes Holy Communion at the Divine Liturgy, which is celebrated in his room.

The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church hopes to fully resume his primatial ministry in the nearest future.