His Holiness Patriarch Alexy sends a message of condolences in connection with the tragic death of Archimandrite Herman, father superior of the Davidov Hermitage

His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia, in his message to Metropolitan Juvenaly of Krutitsy and Kolomna, expressed condolences over the death of Archimandrite Herman (Khapugin), father superior of the Davidov Hermitage of the Ascension and dean of the Chekhov District, who was killed. The text of the message is given below.

 

With profound grief I have learnt about the death of Archimandrite Herman, father superior of the Davidov Hermitage of the Ascension. A cruel and bloody crime has been committed to violate all the divine and human laws. 

 

Vices tend to permeate into the life of society when society diverts from eternal biblical commandments: you shall not murder; you shall not steal. Archimandrite Herman’s life was devoted to the preaching of these commandments, to the building of an island of faith, love and service of people in the monastery entrusted to his care. 

 

I would like to express condolences to Your Eminence and to Father Herman’s relatives and friends and I pray for the rest of the soul of the murdered Archimandrite Herman in the heavenly mansions.

 

+ ALEXY,

PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA