Metropolitan Jonah sends condolences to Russian Church in wake of terrorist bombings
In a letter dated March 31, 2010, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah sent condolences to His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus in the wake of the twin terrorist bombings that rocked Moscow’s Metro two days earlier and left 39 dead.
The text of Metropolitan Jonah’s letter reads as follows.
“Your Holiness, Dear Brother and Concelebrant,
“In these great and holy days, as we commemorate the Passion of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, we are moved to express our compassion for the tragic suffering that now afflicts the people of Russia in the wake of the needless and destructive acts of terrorism. We offer to Your Holiness, to the Holy Russian Orthodox Church and to all Russian people our heartfelt condolences and prayers for the repose of those who perished in the senseless bombings. Likewise, we offer our prayers for the healing and strength of those who are recovering, and also prayers for the consolation of those families and friends of the deceased.
“We believe and know that the “Lord is a refuge to his people” (Joel 3.16). Under your spiritual guidance the Russian Orthodox Church will be a haven of comfort for those in anguish. May our Crucified, Buried and Risen Savior Jesus Christ comfort and console the suffering, and may He lead all people to the knowledge of truth and the way of peace.”