NEW YORK: July 8, 2016
His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York sends condolences to the participants of the funeral of Mitred Protopriest Peter Burlakov

From the Editors: On Saturday, July 9, 2016, the funeral of Mitred Protopriest Peter Burlakov will be headed by His Grace Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan at St Sergius Cathedral in Cleveland, OH, where the late cleric piously served for many years.

Dear in the Lord Fathers, Brothers and Sisters:

Having learned of the death of the universally-respected Mitred Protopriest Peter Burlakov, who served the Church of Christ as a priest of God for many years, I hasten to express my empathy for those grieving for him, his relatives, clergymen, parishioners and faithful of this cathedral, where he conducted his pious priestly service for many years.

Fr Peter nourished his flock with the Holy Mysteries, and, in bringing forth the Bloodless Sacrifice, was an intercessor before God not only for his followers, but for the entire Christian world, for the living and for the dead, in hopes of the resurrection and eternal life of all who pass from this world. He lifted his prayers for all mankind, exclaiming his prayers for all to hear in the church and outside of it, while visiting the sick, those in sorrow and those in joy; he prayed when others saw and heard him, he prayed when no one saw or heard; he prayed before the open Royal Doors of the cathedral and behind them when they were closed; he prayed at home; his prayers were lifted for those whom he knew, for those who loved him but also for those who hated him, beseeching God’s mercy for all; in a word, his prayers were for everyone and for all! How he suffered during crises in the Church and in the lives of those entrusted to his care, not to speak of his personal, family and other sorrows, emergencies, cares and needs, never abandoning hope in the aid and strength that God provides.

Remembering the love he fostered, and following his example of prayer, may you, his flock, also pray for our dear good pastor. As you enter this church, pray for him as he prayed for you. Your prayers for him will be the finest reward for Fr Peter for his loving pastoral care.

While celebrating Divine Liturgy today, on the feast day of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, I join you with love and special attachment to your augmented prayers from our late Fr Peter. Let the Lord give him repose with the saints, and I wish for all of you, the clergy, parishioners, worshipers, relatives, friends and all in attendance, may the Lordgrant you His unearthly consolation, health and aid in your lives!

With love in the Lord,

+HILARION,
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.