17 November 2009.

Russian Patriarch Kiril has sent condolences to Metropolitan of Montenegro and Littoral Amfilohije, members of the Holy Synod, the priesthood of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the entire Serbian people, on the occasion of Serbian Patriarch Pavle passing away. The note underlines that Patriarch Kiril grieves for the sorrow that struck the brotherly church, for its great loss. One of the oldest spiritual teachers of the ecumenical orthodox family has passed away, whose name and image have been a symbol of the unity of the Serbian Orthodox Church for the millions of believers around the world, stated Russian Patriarch Kiril. He underlined that the late Serbian Patriarch used calmness and love to unify the human hearts and the endeavor of his leadership full of sacrifices gained him a deep and honest respect in the people. The late dignitary also had a great authority in the Russian Orthodox Church, whose children are now praying along with their Serbian brothers and sisters for the eternal rest of the deceased servant of  God, pointed Patriarch Kiril.