On April 21, 2019 a series of terrorist attacks took place in hotels and Catholic churches in Sri Lanka during the Easter celebrations. More than 200 people became victims of the explosions, another 450 were injured. His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, sent condolences to the President of the Republic of Sri Lanka.
To His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Your Excellency!
I am deeply shocked by the news of a series of explosions in Sri Lanka, which killed hundreds of people and injured a great number of people.
The terrorists chose as objects of their attacks not only residential and public buildings, but also Christian churches, in which a large number of believers gathered to participate in the celebration of Easter.
Please convey my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims, as well as my wishes of a speedy recovery to all the wounded. I hope that the government and law enforcement agencies of Sri Lanka will do everything in their power so that not only the perpetrators, but also the organizers of these bloody crimes will not avoid responsibility for the committed atrocities.
I am praying to the merciful God for the consolation to those who were struck the terrible misfortune, and for strength to everyone who are putting their efforts today in overcoming the consequences of the terrorist acts.
With deep condolences,
+Kirill,
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia
