The clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Sourozh share the sadness of the people of the United Kingdom as well as those of the countries of the Commonwealth and beyond who are mourning the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh has written to Her Majesty The Queen and to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to offer condolences on their loss and to assure them of our prayers for the Royal Family, especially during this time.
Baptised in the Orthodox Church, HRH Prince Philip was a man of quiet but deep faith. The great-nephew of two saints of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Royal Passion-Bearer Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna and the Venerable New Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth, and a direct descendant of both Tsar Nicholas I and Queen Victoria, he exemplified the personal and spiritual connections between Russia and Great Britain. His devotion to duty, whether as a naval officer on active service in WWII, a patron of many philanthropic organisations, or as the husband and faithful supporter of Her Majesty The Queen was and remains an example and inspiration for many.
Throughout his life Prince Philip always put the interests of others ahead of his own, thus giving us a worthy example of Christian ministry.
May the Lord be merciful to the soul of the deceased and provide comfort all those who grieve over the loss.
12-04-2021