The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has officially announced the passing of Venerable Thich Thanh Duc, Deputy Supreme Patriarch of the Sangha’s Council of Proving, who died in the early hours of April 16 at Doai Lam Pagoda in Hung Yen province. He was 100 years old.

Venerable Thich Thanh Duc entered monastic life in 1939. Over decades of service, he held numerous important roles, including Deputy Supreme Patriarch of the Council of Proving of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, former member of its Executive Council, and a certifying member of the Sangha’s Executive Board in Hung Yen province. He also previously served as head of the Executive Board of the Sangha in the former Thai Binh province, as well as a delegate to the People’s Council and a member of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee in the same locality.

He was the abbot of Thanh Long Pagoda in Tran Lam ward, Hung Yen province, and the head monk of Doai Lam Pagoda in Kien Xuong commune.

Due to advanced age, the Venerable peacefully followed the natural course of impermanence, passing away at 2:30 a.m. on April 16, 2026 (corresponding to the 29th day of the second lunar month, Year of the Horse) at Doai Lam Pagoda, Ngai Dua hamlet, Kien Xuong commune, Hung Yen province. He lived for 100 years, with 70 years in monastic seniority.

The Standing Committee of the Council of Proving has issued a notice confirming that the funeral will be held in accordance with the highest rites of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.

According to the funeral program, the encoffining ceremony will take place at 9:00 a.m. on April 19, 2026 (the 3rd day of the third lunar month). The casket will be placed at Thanh Long Pagoda in Tran Lam ward, Hung Yen province.

The official visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. on April 19 through the end of April 20, 2026 (from the 3rd to the 4th day of the third lunar month).

The memorial service is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on April 21, 2026 (the 5th day of the third lunar month). Following the ceremony, the Venerable’s remains will be interred in a stupa within the grounds of Doai Lam Pagoda.

Tinh Le