Coptic Pope and Patriarch Shenouda Roufail of Alexandria and all Africa (1923-2012)
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To the Holy Synod of the Coptic Church:
Your Eminences and Graces, dear brothers in Christ!
I learned with deep sorrow the sad news of the death of His Holiness Patriarch Shenouda, who for over forty years zealously fulfilled the ministry of the First Hierarch of the Coptic Church. The whole Christian world suffered a great loss, having lost an eminent theologian, and an inspiring preacher, who for many years stood at the head of a Confessor-Church. The late patriarch showed his abundant gifts in his ministry as the First Hierarch of the Coptic Church and to the whole Christian world. His tireless work to build church life in the Coptic diaspora, his fight for the rights of the Christian minority in Egypt, his sincere desire for mutual understanding with other Christian Churches, and his numerous theological works and sermons won the late Coptic Patriarch a deserved reputation throughout the world.
We appreciate the efforts of the late Patriarch Shenouda. I remember our last meeting in Egypt in April 2010 with love and warm feelings, it testified to His Holiness’ sincere and heartfelt respect for our Church. In turn, we’ve always consistently supported and still support Egyptian Christians in the midst of their systematic persecution; we respectfully acknowledge the contribution of the Coptic Church in the preservation of traditional Egyptian monasticism and spiritual culture. I’m convinced of the need to continue our cooperation to achieve peace and justice in the Middle East and around the world, protecting the rights of Christians in places where they are violated.
May the Merciful Lord give rest to the soul of His departed servant His Holiness Patriarch Shenouda.
Вечная ему память!
With Love in Christ
Kirill
Patriarch of Moscow and all the Russias
18 March 2012
Patriarchia.ru
Official MP Website
Voices from Russia 
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