Estonian musicians died at 79
Here are 2 famous musicians from Estonia died at 79:
Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow
Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow (February 23, 1929 Tallinn-December 5, 2008 Moscow) also known as Alexey Mikhailovich Ridiger, Alexy II of Moscow, Patriarch Alexius II, Patriarch Alexius II of Moscow or Patriarch Alexy II was an Estonian priest, patriarch and monk.
Alexy II was the head of the Russian Orthodox Church from 1990 until his death in 2008. He was known for his efforts to rebuild the Church after the collapse of the Soviet Union, as well as for his efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and cooperation. During his time as Patriarch, he oversaw the growth of the Church, with the construction of new churches and the establishment of new dioceses both in Russia and abroad. He was also involved in efforts to improve relations between the Church and the state, playing a key role in negotiations over the return of Church property that had been confiscated during the Soviet era. Alexy II was widely respected throughout the Orthodox world and was seen as a unifying figure, bringing together the various branches of the Church. Despite some controversies during his tenure, he was generally regarded as a wise and compassionate leader who worked tirelessly to promote the interests of his Church and his country.
Alexy II was born on February 23, 1929, in Tallinn, Estonia. His family, which was part of the Russian diaspora, had a strong tradition of religious faith and service. As a young man, Alexy II felt a calling to the priesthood and joined a monastery in Estonia. He was quickly recognized for his intelligence and dedication, and he became one of the youngest bishops in the history of the Orthodox Church at the age of 39.
Throughout his career, Alexy II was known for his commitment to traditional Orthodox values and his efforts to promote unity and cooperation within the Church. He was deeply concerned about the impact of secularization and materialism on Russian society, and he spoke out against trends that he saw as undermining the spiritual and moral foundations of the country.
As Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, Alexy II played a key role in the revival of the Church after decades of suppression and persecution under the Soviet regime. He oversaw the rebuilding of many churches and monasteries that had been destroyed or damaged, and he worked to bring together the various factions within the Church that had been divided by political and theological differences.
Alexy II was also committed to promoting constructive dialogue with other faiths, and he worked closely with leaders of other religious communities to promote mutual understanding and cooperation. He was a vocal critic of religious extremism and violence, and he played an important role in promoting peace and reconciliation during times of conflict and tension.
Alexy II was widely respected both within Russia and internationally for his wisdom, compassion, and dedication to the well-being of his Church and his country. His death on December 5, 2008, was a great loss to the Orthodox world, and he is remembered as one of the most significant and influential figures in the history of the Russian Orthodox Church.
He died as a result of heart failure.
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Arthur Võõbus
Arthur Võõbus (April 28, 1909 Matjama-September 25, 1988 Oak Park) was an Estonian author.
Võõbus was known for his work as a scholar, theologian, and linguist. He received his education at the Universities of Tartu and Helsinki, studying classical languages and literature, as well as theology. After completing his studies, he worked as a pastor and professor of theology at various universities, including Harvard, where he taught for over thirty years.
Throughout his career, Võõbus published numerous works on topics such as the history of religion, linguistics, and classical literature. He was particularly interested in the study of ancient Syriac literature, and his contributions to the field are widely regarded as seminal. Võõbus was also an advocate for interfaith dialogue and understanding between different religious traditions.
In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Võõbus was an accomplished poet and author. He published several collections of poems and wrote fiction and memoirs, drawing on his own experiences growing up in Estonia and his travels around the world.
Võõbus was widely respected for his intellectual contributions and his commitment to promoting cultural exchange and understanding. He was recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his lifetime, and his legacy continues to inspire scholars and thinkers today.
Võõbus had a remarkable aptitude for languages, mastering over 30 languages throughout his lifetime. Additionally, he was fluent in English, French, German, and Finnish. He was a member of several prestigious scholarly societies, including the Royal Academy of Belgium, the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Võõbus also served as the president of the International Association of Syriac Studies for many years, cementing his influence in the field. With his wife, Võõbus established the Arthur and Miriam Võõbus Endowed Fund at Harvard Divinity School, which continues to support a range of initiatives in Syriac studies to this day. His lasting achievements and contributions to the study of religion and culture continue to be celebrated, and he is widely considered one of the most significant scholars of his generation.
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