In connection with the recent repose of Archpriest Carlos Chacon, His Grace Bishop John of Naro-Fominsk, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA expressed his condolences to the departed's family.

To the Priest Kirill, family and relatives of the newly-departed Archpriest Carlos!

Please accept my most profound condolences on the sudden repose of your father and husband, rector of Holy Protection Church in Mexico, Archpriest Carlos Chacon.

I knew Fr. Carlos as a hard-working and humble shepherd who for almost twenty years, assumed the responsibilities as cleric, and later rector, of the only parish of the Russian Orthodox Church in Mexico and word of his repose sent grief to my heart.

Not too long ago, we prayed and greeted each other in St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York City, where the priestly ordination of Fr. Kirill took place which was a grand celebration for the entire parish and your family. After the Divine Services, Fr. Carlos admitted to me, that this day for him was best award he ever received in all his years of service - that he was able to live long enough to witness the day his son became a priest in the Russian Orthodox Church that he so loved.

For reasons beyond my control, I am not able to personally bid farewell to Fr. Carlos, but I would like to assure you all of the prayers for his soul, that the Merciful Lord vouchsafes unto this devoted servant to the Kingdom of Heaven and to grant you all His comfort in these mournful days. With my blessing, all of the churches of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA will raise augmented prayers for the newly-departed Archpriest Carlos and for all of you.

Memory Eternal to Archpriest Carlos!

Invoking God's Blessing on you all, with love in Christ,

+JOHN, Bishop of Naro-Fominsk

Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA