Metropolitan Jonah sends letter of condolence to Metropolitan Filaret in wake of Minsk bombing
Prayers for bombing victims are offered in Minsk’s cathedral. photo credit: http://www.cerkiew.pl |
As the investigation into an April 11, 2011 metro bombing in Minsk, Belarus, continued this week, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah sent a letter of condolence to His Eminence, Metropolitan Filaret of Minsk and Slutsk, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus. Metropolitan Jonah assured Metropolitan Filaret of the prayers of the bishops, clergy and lay people of the Orthodox Church in America in the ongoing tragedy.
The text of the letter reads as follows.
“When the news reached us about the bombing in the Minsk metro on April 11, the tragic deaths of innocent people and the suffering of the many who have been wounded in the atrocity moved us. Be assured that the bishops, clergy, and lay people of the Orthodox Church in America are offering prayers to God in response to the tragedy in Minsk.
Prayers for bombing victims are offered in Minsk’s cathedral. photo credit: http://www.cerkiew.pl |
“We know that violence and terrorism create many wounds and much suffering for families and communities. Through you, Your Eminence, we wish to convey to your faithful and to the whole nation of Belarus our condolences and our heart-felt sympathy.
“As we follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in His passion during this Holy Week we continue to be united with Your Eminence, your clergy and faithful, and with all citizens of Minsk and Belarus, in the grief of the innocent suffering as a result of the bombing on April 11.
“May the life and joy given to us by the Holy Resurrection heal us all and lift up our hearts to the peace of God’s Kingdom.”
Twelve individuals died in the attack—a rarity in the Belarusian capital—while at least 200 suffered injury.