« Condolences of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill on the passing away of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh »

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia expressed his condolences on the passing away of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

To Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Your Majesty!

I received with sorrow the news of the passing away of your husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.  I offer my deepest condolences to Your Majesty and through you to the entire British people.

A whole era has reflected in the destiny of the prince.  As a representative of the Greek line of the Oldenburg dynasty, His Royal Highness had warm feelings for Orthodox culture and traditions, was one of the honorary trustees of the Friends of Mount Athos public organization.  Prince Philip was keenly interested in the history and culture of Russia, which he visited several times.

May the mankind loving Lord be merciful to the soul of the deceased and console all those who grieve over this loss.

With sincere condolences

+ KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA