Pumanaw sa edad na 73 ang lider ng religious group na 'Ang Dating Daan' na si Eli Soriano. Nagpaabot naman ng pakikiramay ang Malacañang sa kaniyang mga naulila.

"It is with deep sadness, yet with full faith in the Almighty, that we announce the passing of our beloved and one and only Bro. Eliseo "Eli" Soriano - a faithful preacher, brother, father, and grandfather to many," ayon sa inilabas na pahayag ng religious group.

"The life story of Bro. Eli is an open book to many of us. We are witnesses to his dedication and tireless efforts to propagate the undefiled words of God in the Bible," dagdag nito.

Ayon sa pahayag, nagsimula ang pangangaral ni Soriano sa  Guagua, Pampanga na umabot sa Brazil at iba pang western countries.

"His life and efforts have become instrumental in the fulfillment of the long hidden prophecy in the Holy Scriptures that 'For from the rising of the sun even unto going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts (Mal. 1:11)," anang grupo sa pahayag.

Tiniyak nila na ipagpapatuloy nila ang mga programa at proyektong sinimulan ni Soriano.

"Up to the last moment of his life, Bro. Eli was able to fulfill his vow to the Almighty that manifests in his love to serve the brethren. 'And I will gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved (2 Cor. 12:15)," ayon sa grupo.

"And as Bro. Eli once said: "To be privileged to serve you in Christ, is the greatest opportunity in life."

Kasunod ng pagpanaw ni Soriano, nagpaabot naman ng pakikiramay ang Malacañang sa naiwang pamilya at maging sa mga nagmamahal sa lider ng "Ang Dating Daan."

“We extend our condolences to the bereaved family, friends, loved ones and followers of Bro. Eliseo “Eli” Soriano,” ayon kay presidential spokesperson Harry Roque nitong Biyernes.

Sinabi ni Roque na maraming buhay ang nagabayan ni Soriano sa pamamagitan ng mga pangangaral nito sa mga salita ng Diyos.

“His dedication to propagate the words of God in the Bible was a clear testament of his steadfast love to serve his brethren and the Almighty,” anang opisyal.

“Our prayers go to Brother Eli as he may rest in eternal peace and happiness,” dagdag pa niya. — FRJ, GMA News