His Holiness TAWADROS II
Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the Holy See of St. Mark
In All Africa and the Middle East
Your Holiness,
I was deeply worried to learn about the tragedy that had befallen your long-suffering flock. Once again explosions were heard in churches, claiming the lives of our brothers and sisters.
The faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church are grieving with you and your people. We are united in the face of the common distress that affects cities and villages in various countries these days. Terrorism must be defeated through the concerted efforts of all countries regardless of their adherence to these or those political ideals, views and beliefs, or of their attitude to the current international agenda.
Either we will defeat terrorism together or each of us separately will suffer from this terrible evil. Time has come not to just say no to terrorism, but to really unite so that the inhumane, extremist ideas would not lead to even greater sufferings of innocent people.
Please convey my words of profound sympathy and support to the relatives and friends of the victims. I am praying fervently for the soonest recovery of all the injured.
With sincere condolences,
+KIRILL
PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSI
