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His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has expressed condolences over the death of Yevgeny M. Primakov

To Ms. Irina Primakova and Evgeny Primakov’s relatives and friends

Dear Irina Borisovna, Dear Brothers and Sisters:

With deep sorrow I have learnt about the death of Yevgeny Maksimovich Primakov.

The deceased went through a long journey of life. Working at various posts, Yevgeny Maksimovich proved himself not only as a high-level professional and Russia’s faithful son but also a man with a clear civic position and firm moral convictions.

It is gratifying to attest that in the years of the deceased’s service as Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Russian Orthodox Church enjoyed good and constructive cooperation with his department.

Having become the head of the Government at a time difficult for the country, he did much to ensure that the Russian state went through the hard period of trials with minimal losses.

As one who knew the deceased well, I can attest to his manifold gifts: he proved himself as an experienced statesman, thinker, remarkable scholar, poet and simple a benevolent and wise interlocutor. He made a considerable influence on those around him. I know firsthand that many of those who are in power today consider Yevgeny Maksimovich their teacher.

In the last years of his life, the deceased suffered from a serious illness but even in this difficult situation he kept the presence of mind and did not lay down his hope for the Lord’s mercy.

I pray to the Heavenly Lord that He may give rest to the soul of His deceased servant Yevgeny in the dwellings of the righteous, where there is not pain, nor any sorrow, nor any sighing, but Life everlasting, and may He grant peace and consolation to all the relatives and friends of the deceased.

With profound condolences,

+ Kirill

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia