Bishop Gregory Offers Condolences To the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

JOHNSTOWN, PA -- [Diocesan Chancery]  His Grace Bishop Gregory has offered the following letter of condolence on behalf of the clergy and faithful of the diocese on the repose of His Eminence, Metropolitan Philip to Archbishop Joseph, Locum Tenens of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America:

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Your Eminence:

It is with heavy heart that I express the condolences of our Diocese, her entire Priesthood, Monastics consecrated to the religious life, Seminarians and our Faithful on the deep loss the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese is experiencing on the recent passing to eternal life of your father-in-Christ, His Eminence, Metropolitan Philip Saliba.

Many among us remember that His Eminence had a wonderful relationship with our Bishops for a very long time, they having worked along-side each other during the period His Eminence led your Archdiocese for over 40 years. It has been a time of continuous growth and renewal for all of you. In addition to the progress witnessed by your Archdiocese, Metropolitan Philip was respected as a dignified churchman of the highest caliber. He was faithful, patient in suffering, and full of faith. He now bears the trophy of life everlasting.

May our great and loving God make a place for him for all eternity in one of the many mansions that He has promised to all who love Him and do His will.

Today, my people and I join the angels in singing “Eternal Memory! Blessed Repose!”.

With prayerful regards, I remain

Working in His Vineyard,

+ Bishop Gregory of Nyssa

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