Condolences of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill to the Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Church in connection with the terrorist attack at the Church of the Prophet Elijah in Damascus

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' expressed his condolences to His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East in a letter regarding the terrorist attack at the Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah of God in the capital of Syria.

To His Beatitude John X, Patriarch of the Great Antioch and All the East

Your Beatitude, Beloved in the Lord Brother and Concelebrant at God’s Altar,

With profound sorrow, I learned of the terrorist attack at the Church of the Prophet Elijah of God in Damascus, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of many innocent people.

The victims of this bloody atrocity, incited by the enemy of the human race, were peaceful civilians – Orthodox believers who had gathered to pray in the house of God on a Sunday. Once again, the blood of Christians has been shed on the streets of ancient Damascus.

On behalf of the Russian Orthodox Church and personally, I extend my heartfelt and deepest condolences to you and the entire martyred Antiochian Church. I express hope that every possible effort will be made to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice.

May the God of peace and the Father of mercies grant rest in the heavenly mansions to His slain servants, grant healing to the wounded, and comfort all who grieve.

With fraternal love in the Lord and prayers for you and your Holy Church,

+ KIRILL

PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUS'