His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, offered his condolences to the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Alexis Tsipras, and His Beatitude Archbishop of Athens and the entire Hellenic, Hieronymus II, in connection with the death of people as a result of fires in Greece. According to the latest data, the death toll has increased to 74 people.
To His Excellency Mr. A. Citrass, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic
Dear Mr. Prime Minister!
Please accept my heartfelt condolences in connection with the death of many of your compatriots, as a result of disastrous fires that erupted on the territory of the country.
This tragedy is a clear testimony to the fragility of a human life, the vulnerability of the nature created by the Lord, and to our responsibility before God for the fulfillment of the commandment to dress and keep the earth (Genesis 2:15).
May the wise Master of Peace lay the souls of His untimely departed servants to rest in the settlement of the righteous, may He give strength to those who are fighting the flames today and work hard to prevent the consequences of the disaster, may He heal the wounds of the victims and bring comfort to the grieving people who have lost their close ones.
Yours faithfully
+ KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA
To His Beatitude, Hieronymus II, Archbishop of Athens and all Hellas
Your Beatitude, beloved brother and concelebrant in the Lord!
With pain in my heart, I have heard the news of the death of many people as a result of fires in Greece. Please accept my deep condolences in connection with this tragedy.
On behalf of the Russian Orthodox Church, I ask you to convey the words of support and comfort to the families and friends of the victims, as well as to those who suffered in the fires.
May the Merciful Lord lay the souls of His newly departed servants to rest in Heavenly settlements, where there is neither sickness, sorrow, nor complaints, but infinite life. I offer my prayers for the speedy recovery of the wounded.
With brotherly love in Christ
+ KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA
Translated by pravmir.com
