Russia and the whole world lost an outstanding figure – Alexiy II

Alexiy II enjoyed respect not only as the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Partriach of Moscow and All Russia, but also as a true advocate of global peace; he was esteemed as well for his significant contribution to unite the nations of the Russian Federation, for his efforts towards spiritual revival and prosperity of Russia.

He is worldwide renown and admired by people of other religions and laity. But indeed, Alexiy II does deserve special commendation of the Russian people because when he took the lead of the Russian Orthodox Church in 1990, the hardest time for the country when everything was collapsing – economy, morals, even the political system – he was an embodiment of an undying faith in better times.

Tomsk citizens know Alexiy II very well. Tomsk Oblast was among those few Russian regions which enjoyed the Patriarch’s visit twice.

I had a chance to meet this remarkable person several times, and I was always amazed at how unpretentious he was with other people, at his efforts to advocate not only the rights of the pious people, but also each and all Russian citizens, his striving to improve well-being of the Russian people.

I express sincere condolences to all religious people and all Russian citizens on this grievous loss. We shall keep Alexiy II in our hearts as a person who did much both for the pious people and for the state.

Boris Maltsev, Speaker of the Tomsk Oblast State Duma

The Legislative Duma of Tomsk Oblast

Russia and the whole world lost an outstanding figure – Alexiy II