I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Patrick Sookhdeo. Patrick’s life was a beacon of compassion and courage. Through his vision and tireless work, countless communities across Africa found hope in the midst of hardship. He stood with the persecuted, gave voice to the forgotten, and brought practical aid to those who had lost everything. Through Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, Barnabas Aid became a lifeline—feeding the hungry, sheltering the displaced, and strengthening churches so they could stand firm in faith and dignity. He reminded the world that African Christians were not alone, and through his advocacy, their struggles were heard on a global stage. Patrick’s legacy is one of encouragement, service, and unwavering love. He leaves behind not just memories, but living testimonies of resilience in the lives he touched. As we celebrate him, we honor a man who gave himself so that others might endure with hope. Dear ‘Abuna (Fr.) Patrick’ (as I always call you), you live on in our hearts. May your memory continue to inspire acts of courage and compassion across generations. Finally, our heartfelt condolences to Rosemary and Caroline. Ven. Dr. Julius Adekoya. Nigeria – Ven. Dr. Julius Adekoya

With profound sorrow and heartfelt grief, I received the news of the passing of the Very Rev Dr Patrick Sookhdeo – a faithful servant of Christ, a compassionate advocate for the persecuted Church, and a man whose entire life was devoted to the suffering, forgotten and persecuted Christians of our world. On behalf of the Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese of Germany, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife Rosemary, to his family, to the entire TBF Trust family and all who were privileged to labour alongside him in his noble and Christ-centred mission. From the time I served at the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate in Damascus, I came to know Dr Patrick Sookhdeo as a man of remarkable generosity, sincere faith, and unwavering dedication to charitable service. During some of the most painful years endured by the peoples of Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and the Middle East in general he stood steadfastly beside the poor, the displaced, the persecuted and the needy. Through his compassionate efforts and tireless support, countless Christian families received humanitarian assistance, encouragement, and hope, together with the comforting assurance that they had not been abandoned or forgotten by the wider Body of Christ. His love and concern for the suffering Church knew no bounds or limitations. Even after my appointment as Archbishop in Germany, Dr Patrick continued to support generously our Mor Jacob Monastery and numerous pastoral, humanitarian, and charitable initiatives within our Archdiocese. His kindness, encouragement and practical assistance were always offered with humility, wisdom and genuine Christian compassion. Dr Patrick Sookhdeo leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of faith, courage, scholarship and sacrificial service. He dedicated his life to giving a voice to persecuted Christians and to bearing the burdens of those who suffered in silence. In many ways, his life reflected the words of our…

Grace and peace to you in the name of our risen and victorious Lord Jesus Christ. I write these words with a very heavy heart, with tears, and with deep sorrow. The news of our very dear brother Dr. Patrick’s going home to the Lord has touched me profoundly. This is truly a day of great sadness. I feel the weight of this loss deeply because Patrick was not only a respected servant of God but also a dear brother, a faithful friend, and a man whose life and ministry meant so much to me personally. Words feel inadequate in such a moment. Some losses cannot be easily expressed, and some bonds of brotherhood leave a mark upon the soul. Our dear brother Patrick was such a man. His faith, courage, clarity, love for the Lord, and deep commitment to the Body of Christ will remain with us. His voice, his witness, and his example will not be forgotten. Patrick fought the good fight. He stood his ground. He remained faithful even when faithfulness was costly. He carried the truth of the Gospel with courage and humility. He loved Jesus, the Word of God, and the people of God. In a very special way, I will always remember his love and concern for believers from Muslim backgrounds. He stood with us, encouraged us, strengthened us, and gave dignity and attention to many of us whom many others overlooked. For this, I will remain forever grateful to our dear brother Dr. Patrick. “When the days of his priestly ministry were completed, he went back home.” (Luke 1:23). These words speak with quiet beauty and deep meaning. They remind us that a servant of God is entrusted with a ministry for a season. He stands before the Lord, serves faithfully, carries the…

Dear Rosemary, Esther and family; and our dear sister Caroline, I grieve Patrick’s sudden departure. A reality I am still grappling with. We give thanks to God for the life, the suffering, and the witness of our brother, whose friend I was privileged to be. For more than three decades of partnership in the Lord’s service, we became reliant on each other, and he fondly called me his younger brother. We pray God to lead us, too, through his discipleship from this world into His heavenly kingdom. May God fulfil in us that other word with which Dietrich Bonhoefer concluded his obituary of Harnack: ‘non potest non laetari qui sperat in Dominum’- ‘while in God confiding I cannot but rejoice.’” Blessings, +Francis Bishop Anglican Diocese of Garissa. – Francis Omondi

Dear Rosemary Sookhdeo and Caroline Kerslake, Peace in the Lord Jesus Christ. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Abuna (Father) Patrick Sookhdeo. He was more than a friend to me; he was a big brother who stood beside me and supported me during some of the most difficult times in my life. His kindness, wisdom, and encouragement were a blessing that I will always treasure. Abuna Patrick dedicated his faith, scholarship, and life to the service of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through his work as one of the most active founders of Barnabas Fund, he tirelessly supported persecuted Christians around the world and became a voice for those who suffered for their faith. His life was a testimony of faithful service and Christian love in action. Today we grieve his departure from us, yet we also rejoice in the assurance of our faith. Abuna Patrick is now with our Lord Jesus Christ, enjoying the blessings of heaven and the eternal joy prepared for those who faithfully serve Him. May all who feel sorrow because of his passing find comfort, strength, and peace through the Holy Spirit during this difficult time. Though Abuna Patrick has departed from this earthly life, he continues to live in our hearts and consciousness here on earth, while he now lives forever in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. May God’s grace and peace be with you, and with all who mourned him. With peace and grace, Archbishop Eustathius Matta Roham Archbishop of Jazirah & Euphrates of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch – Mor Eustathius Matta Roham