His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America offered his condolences to Bishop Longin of the Diocese of NEw Gracanica-Midwestern America, Bishop Maxim of Western America and Bishop Irinej of Eastern America, and the plentitude of the Serbian Orthodox Church, by noting:

I received the news this morning of the passing of His Beatitude Patriarch Irinej of Serbia, now of blessed memory. On behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod and the Faithful of the Holy Archdiocese of America, I express to you, beloved brother in the Lord, our condolences, not only to you personally, but to your Synod and Flock.

The late Patriarch was a beloved figure for the Church of Serbia, and for the entire Orthodox world. I remember with great joy his last visit back in March when I had the honor of welcoming him at the Archdiocese when we did not know yet the seriousness of a pandemic that would ultimately take him away. By attending to the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox

Church in Crete in 2016, Patriarch Irinej has shown an exemplary leadership, placing Orthodox Church unity and the spiritual common good of his flock above special interests and politics. He was a real man of God, a true servant of the Holy Altar and an authentic shepherd of souls.

May his soul abide in the tabernacles of the righteous, the mansions of the Saints, and the bosom of Abraham.

May his memory be eternal.