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President Medvedev sent his condolences to Bishop Amfilohije, acting patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church, following the death of His Holiness Patriarch Pavle of Serbia.

The telegram reads, in part:

“The late patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church’s long and difficult road through life was closely bound to the fate of his flock. The hardships your people and country have endured enabled Patriarch Pavle to develop to their fullest potential his high moral qualities and true vocation, and devote all his strength to fortifying his compatriots’ spirit.

Filled with Christian humility and unshakeable in his convictions – this is the holy memory that the Orthodox world will preserve of him.”

Mr Medvedev also sent his condolences over the Serbian Patriarch’s death to President of Serbia Boris Tadic, writing, in particular:

“His holy achievements were a shining example of noble and selfless devotion to his church and homeland, and to the hopes and interests of his people.

His time as Patriarch of Pec coincided with severe trials for his compatriots. In the Serbian Orthodox Church they found and continue to find moral support and draw the spiritual strength so greatly needed for constructive social development and building up statehood.”