Document
H.B. Metropolitan TIKHON
Archbishop of Washington
Metropolitan of All America and Canada
Orthodox Church in America
Geneva, August 6, 2021
Your Beatitude,
The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes his covenant known to them. (Ps 25:14)
It is with deep sadness that we heard of the falling asleep in the Lord of Protopresbyter Leonid Kishkovsky. As a former member of the World Council of Churches Executive and Central Committee and as former president of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, he remains in the prayerful memory of many Christians across the globe as an inspired spiritual Father who committed himself to a common and prophetic voice of Christians in the face of societal challenges. His testimony, his witness for Orthodoxy, his ecumenical legacy, and his writings will inspire generations of priests, theologians, and lay people.
Father Leonid dedicated his life entirely to serving God and His Church. Restoring and fostering peace in his own community proved to be an exercise that modelled his involvement in Christian mutual understanding on a larger scale. In his many capacities and responsibilities, Father Leonid distinguished himself as a unique bridge builder in inter-Christian dialogue, in interreligious dialogue, as well as in the dialogue of the Church with society. He understood very early in over five decades of service that building bridges is about people, about relationships, and not least about friendships. He succeeded, because he valued each and every person in his and her dignity as an image of God.
In particular, the WCC family is grateful for the life, legacy and ecumenical journey of the late Fr Leonid. He generously shared his skills of bridge builder, participating in important processes in the life and history of the WCC such as the drafting of the policy statement "Common understanding and vision of the WCC" and the Special Commission on Orthodox participation in the WCC.
We pray for the rest of the soul of Protopresbyter Leonid Kishkovsky in the tents of the righteous (Ps 118:15) and in the light, peace and love of the Most Holy Trinity and we give thanks to Christ, our Lord, the One who is the resurrection and the life (cf. John 11:25), for his life and ministry.
On behalf of the World Council of Churches, I extend our profound condolences to his family, his parish community and to the entire Orthodox Church of America.
May his memory be eternal!
Yours in the Risen Lord,
Rev. Prof. Dr. Ioan Sauca
Acting General Secretary
World Council of Churches