Archbishop Anatoly (Kuznetsov) Enters Eternal Rest

DECR – OCP News Service – 27/01/2024

Moscow – Russia: The Russian Orthodox Church is in mourning following the passing of Archbishop Anatoly (Kuznetsov), the oldest retired bishop of the Church, on January 26, 2024, at the age of 94.

A life dedicated to service, Archbishop Anatoly’s journey began in Irkutsk, where he entered the world of faith as a psalmist in 1947. His rise through the ranks was marked by a thirst for knowledge and devotion, leading him to studies at the Moscow Theological Seminary and later the Moscow Theological Academy, from where he graduated with a candidate’s degree in theology.

He embraced monastic life in 1960, rising to the rank of archimandrite in 1968. His academic pursuits blossomed alongside his spiritual calling, as he honed his expertise in Holy Scripture and shared his knowledge with aspiring theologians at both the Seminary and the Academy.

In 1972, Bishop Anatoly embarked on a long and distinguished career as a hierarch, serving in various dioceses across the Soviet Union and later the Russian Federation. From Vilna and Lithuania to Zvenigorod and Ufa, he tirelessly shepherded his flock and represented the Patriarch of Moscow on international missions.

His final years were marked by his dedicated service to the Sourozh diocese, first as Bishop of Kerch and later as Archbishop, where he oversaw the construction of the Russian Orthodox Church in Manchester and provided pastoral care to the faithful in Britain.

Upon his retirement due to health reasons in 2017, Archbishop Anatoly continued to inspire with his quiet grace and wisdom. His passing leaves a void within the Russian Orthodox Church, but his legacy of service, scholarship, and unwavering faith will continue to guide generations to come.

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has bestowed his blessings for the burial of Archbishop Anatoly in the historical necropolis of the Moscow Theological Academy at the Holy Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius.

Source:

OCP News Service