ROC Primate expresses condolences to Church of Antioch over Beirut tragedy
Explosion in the port of Beirut. Photo: Twitter.сom / Muhammadsmiry
On August 4, 2020, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, sent his condolences to His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Great Antioch and All the East and President of the Lebanese Republic Michel Aoun in connection with the tragedy in Beirut, reports Patriarchia.ru.
“On behalf of the archpastors, clergy, monastics and laity of the Russian Orthodox Church, I offer you my deepest condolences in connection with the tragic event that took place in Beirut.
The news of the calamity that inflicted new wounds on your long-suffering Christ-loving flock, echoed in my heart with pain. I pray to the Lord Jesus Christ, that He give healing to the victims, may He give rest to the souls of those perished, may He send their relatives and friends comfort in the sorrow that befell them, and to Lebanon—peace, prosperity and tranquility,” the ROC Primate’s message says.
As reported, the world was shocked on Tuesday, August 4, when a massive explosion shook the port of Beirut, Lebanon, with now reportedly around one hundred people killed, over four thousand injured; some reports say that more than 200,000 are left homeless, as the shockwave spread through the city breaking glass, and the red mushroom cloud loomed over the port. With tensions in the region already high, preliminary reports are indicating the explosion was due to “confiscated high explosive materials” being stored in the port, possibly ammonium nitrate. Orthodox Churches were among the many critically damaged structures.
Read also
Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law
Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.
OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk
After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.
Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC
The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.
Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks
Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.
Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day
Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.
Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church
The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.