Mintimer Shaimiev expressed his condolences in connection with death of Alexy II

Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev has sent a condolence to the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church in connection with death of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II.

"We have lost an outstanding person of the present times. His contribution to establishment of renewed spiritual Russia cannot be overestimated. He headed Russian Orthodox Church in times difficult for the country. He was a real model of asceticism. He became the real spiritual father and pastor, acquired enormous authority among believers and wide public recognition. Orthodox Church is an integral part of the civil society today, takes part in solving of global problems of the country and the world; to a large extent it is due to the Patriarch’s efforts. One of the most significant pages in Orthodoxy history - re-uniting of Russian Orthodox Church is forever connected with the name of Alexy II.

Blessed, grateful memory about Alexy II, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia - active supporter of harmonization of inter-confessional and inter-ethnic relations in Russian society - will forever be kept in our hearts. God rest his soul in abode of heaven," the telegram of the Republic of Tatarstan President reads.