On the Repose of Archbishop Andronik (+2026)

Some Words of Gratitude for Encounters, Guidance, and an Example of Christian Life

With deep sorrow, yet with Christian hope in the Resurrection, I received the news that on June 17, 2026, at 5:55 p.m. American time, His Eminence Archbishop Andronik of New York and North America, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, reposed in the Lord.

In days of mourning, it is natural that our hearts are filled both with the sadness of separation and with gratitude to God for granting us the opportunity to know a man whose presence left a profound impression on the souls of those who met him. I do not wish to write a biography or attempt an evaluation of his great ministry, for there are others far more qualified and worthy to do so. Rather, I wish simply to share a few memories and words of gratitude for the encounters, guidance, and example of Christian life that I was blessed to witness in the ever-memorable Vladyka.

Holy Scripture teaches us: “By their fruits you shall know them” (Matthew 7:16). Indeed, the fruits of Archbishop Andronik’s life were the clearest testimony to who he was. In a time when people are surrounded by noise, haste, and the spirit of self-sufficiency, meeting Vladyka brought peace. In his presence one sensed something difficult to express in words: a silence that healed the soul, a gentleness that strengthened the heart, and a love that demanded nothing in return.

Although he bore the high dignity of an archbishop, there was nothing in him that suggested pride or self-exaltation. Rather, he reminded one of the Lord’s words: “Whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:27). Many knew him as a hierarch, yet also as a father, a brother, and a fellow traveler on the path of salvation.

Personally, I never heard him condemn anyone. Like every human being, I often spoke to him about my weaknesses, failures, anger, and struggles. He did not respond with harsh rebukes or lengthy admonitions. More often than not, he simply listened. Yet that listening was filled with such attention and love that one found within oneself the strength to repent. His gentle gaze spoke more eloquently than many words.

In the relatively short time I spent in his presence, I began to discover the beauty of many things that I had once considered insignificant. I came to love Russian church chant, the fragrance of the roses he carefully cultivated, quiet conversations after services, and that simplicity of life which returns a person to his true self. Then I understood that it is precisely these seemingly small things that preserve the image of God within us and remind us that we were created not merely for the passing things of this world, but for eternity.

Today I often recall the words of our Lord: “Unless you are converted and become as little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). It was precisely such childlike purity, sincerity, and simplicity that one could recognize in Archbishop Andronik. Though he was an archbishop, he remained in his heart a humble servant of God.

Archbishop Andronik was a man of profound devotion to Orthodoxy and Holy Tradition. As an archpastor, he bore responsibility for his flock with love, zeal, and faithfulness to the truth of the Church. Many others will be able to testify to this far better than I can. I can only speak of what I witnessed myself: a man who sought first to live what he preached to others.

Particularly moving is the testimony that he foresaw his departure to the Lord. To Archpriest Dimitri, who administered Holy Communion to him, he said, “I will die in two days.” Such words do not inspire fear; rather, they remind us of the seriousness of the Christian life and of the need to be constantly prepared to meet the Lord.

His repose is a great loss for the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, for its clergy, monastics, and faithful throughout North America and around the world. Yet as Christians we do not grieve without hope. The Apostle Paul reminds us: “I would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

I extend my heartfelt condolences to His Eminence Archbishop Sophrony and His Grace Bishop Andrew, brother hierarchs of the ever-memorable Archbishop Andronik; to the Kotlyarov family; to the Very Reverend Protopresbyter Gregory and his family; to Lavrentia, his devoted cell attendant, who faithfully served at his side for more than two decades, beginning in the years of his ministry in the Holy Land on the Mount of Olives; to all the clergy, monastics, and faithful children of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia; and to the entire flock of North America and New York, who recognized in him a good shepherd, a spiritual father, and a quiet witness of Gospel love.

When a layperson reposes, the Psalter is read; when a bishop or priest reposes, the Holy Gospel is read. It is a consolation to know that in these days the words of eternal life are being proclaimed beside his body—those same words which he preached and served throughout his life.

I do not wish this day to pass as an ordinary day. I grieve because Vladyka has left us, yet at the same time I thank God that he was among us and trust that we have gained a prayerful intercessor before the Throne of God. The Lord said: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Whenever I remember Archbishop Andronik, these words come immediately to mind.

May the Lord grant rest to the soul of His faithful servant in the dwellings of the righteous. May He grant him the Kingdom of Heaven, eternal rest, and joy in the communion of the saints.

Memory Eternal, dear Vladyka.

Christ is Risen!

Archpriest Milorad Stefan Nikolić

Assistant Priest, St. Sergius of Radonezh Church

Valley Cottage, New York

June 2026