In Elista they said goodbye to Archbishop Zosima (Ostapenko)translated

The service was led by Archbishop Justinian of Elista and Kalmykia, who was co-served by Archbishop Varlaam of Makhachkala and Derbent, Bishop Anthony of Volgodonsk and Salsk, Bishop Ambrose of Grozny and Sunzhensk, as well as clergy of Elista, Vladikavkaz, Makhachkala, Volgodonsk, Grozny, Stavropol, Solikamsk, Mytishchi and other dioceses.

Parishioners, the clergy of the Elista diocese, pilgrims and numerous spiritual children of the deceased archpastor prayed in the church.

Before the funeral service, Archbishop Justinian read out a message from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus', sent in connection with the death of Archbishop Zosima. Bishop Justinian reminded those gathered about the archpastoral labors of the deceased and called upon them to offer special prayers for the repose of his soul.

In his speech, Archbishop Justinian noted that a person who has chosen the monastic path, outwardly renouncing family life, finds in Christ a large family - many brothers and sisters, spiritual children. The multitude of believers who gathered on this day in the Kazan Cathedral became a testament to the love and grateful memory of Vladyka Zosima.

With words of condolences to the clergy, family,...