“Illness is a visitation of God”. His Holiness Patriarch Alexy answers questions by the Kommersant newspaper
(Kommersant, 27 November 2002)
3.02.2003 · English, Архив 2002
“ILLNESS IS A VISITATION OF GOD”
His Holiness Patriarch Alexy answers questions by the Kommersant newspaper
(Kommersant, 27 November 2002)
– Your Holiness, how do you feel now?
– Unhealthy state itself is gone, and little by little I am returning to my regular responsibilities. Yet doctors recommend me to stay in hospital for some time. I hope that it will not last long because I miss worship services and contacts with people. However, illness is a visitation of God. It gives one a chance to reflect upon one’s life in solitude. I thank the Lord for His visitation, just as everyone should thank God both for sorrow and joy. I would like to express once again my appreciation to all those who showed concern for my health in these days, prayed for me, sent me letters and telegrams with words of support and came to see me at hospital. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin was among the first visitors to come.
– When do you plan to leave the hospital?
– Well, I think I will have to decide it together with the doctors. I should consider their opinion for they take care of my full recovery. However, the schedule of worship services, visits and arrangements for the end of this year and beginning of the next one is under way.
– How do you usually spend your day in the hospital?
– My day invariably begins and completes with prayer. The Divine Liturgy is celebrated in my room on Sundays and holidays, during which I take communion. It strengthens me spiritually very much. During the day I take a medical treatment, have telephone talks and meet with visitors. Every day at 9.00 p.m. I watch the Vremya news program – one should always be well informed of events happening both in Russia and abroad. I read a lot, look through letters and consider appeals addressed to me because some matters require immediate decision.
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