Patriarch Kirill’s letters of condolences over the loss of lives as a result of fires in Greece

His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, has expressed condolences to Prime Minister of the Republic of Greece Alexis Tsipras and His Beatitude Jeronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, over the loss of lives in the fires in Greece. According to the latest reports, the number of victims has increased to 74.

His Excellency Alexis Tsipras
Prime Minister
Republic of Greece

Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

Please accept my heartfelt condolences over the death of many of your compatriots as a result of the fire raging in the territory of the country.

This tragedy is a glaring testimony of the fragility of human life, vulnerability of God-created nature and our responsibility before God for the fulfilment of the commandment to tend and take care of the earth.

May the All-Wise Master of the world repose the souls of His untimely deceased servants in the dwellings of the righteous and grant fortitude to those who are combatting the fire today and working to overcome the consequences of the disaster and heal the wounds of the victims and send consolation in their bereavement to those who have lost their loved ones.

Respectfully,

+ Kirill
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia

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His Beatitude Jeronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece

Your Beatitude, beloved in the Lord Brother and Concelebrant:

With pain in my heart I have learnt about the death of many people in the fires in Greece. Please accept my profound condolences over this tragedy.

On behalf of the Russian Orthodox Church, please convey my words of support and consolation to the relatives and friends of the victims and those affected by the raging fire.

May the Merciful Lord repose the souls of His deceased servants in the heavenly mansions, where there is no sickness nor sadness nor signing but endless life. I am lifting up my prayers for a speedy recovery of the injured.

With brotherly love in Christ,

+ Kirill
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia