Ecumenical Patriarch expresses condolences to Pope Shenouda about deadly terror attacks

by the mercy of God,

Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch

Your Beatitude Shenouda III, Pope and Patriarch of the Coptic Church of Alexandria, our beloved brother in the Lord: Grace be to you and peace from God.

We hasten to express to Your Beatitude our sincerest and whole-hearted condolences for the recent terrorist attack outside of Saints Coptic Church. Words cannot adequately express our shock and sorrow at the magnitude of this tragedy; the ruthlessness and cold-bloodedness of the assailants has shaken Christians and people of good will all over the world. This unjust and unjustifiable incident has revealed to us and to the entire world the great price that Christians continue to pay for their faith in Christ Jesus.

During this most difficult time of pain, therefore, we would like to assure you and your faithful of our complete solidarity and support. Please know that we always stand prayerfully beside you as we continue to journey on the difficult paths of our respective Churches. May all those who have recently lost their lives find peace and comfort in the embrace of Abraham.

At the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the 3rd of January 2011

Your Beatitude's
beloved brother in Christ,

+ BARTHOLOMEW
Archbishop of Constantinople-
New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch