Statement of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II on the acts of terrorism in Moscow

STATEMENT ON THE ACTS OF TERRORISM IN MOSCOW

Today prayers have been lifted up in our churches for the rest of the souls of those who fell victim to the criminal acts in Moscow and Bujnaksk. The day of mourning has been darkened by another monstrous crime – the explosion of yet another apartment house, which carried away dozens of lives of totally innocent people.

I am deeply shocked by this crime, as well as by the whole chain of violent acts. That evil will which has condemned peaceful citizens to death and agony must be resolutely stopped and punished. In an appeal to the government and the law-enforcement, I urge them to protect our compatriots from terrorists by all possible means. May God help them in this effort.

As the ruling bishop of Moscow, I call its people to be vigilant and at the same not to give themselves up to despair and panic. In every house, in every institution, in every factory, in every church parish, Muscovites should rally their ranks so that new outrages could not happen.

May the Lord give rest to the souls of the innocent victims; may He heal the wounded; may He help those who have lost their homes and property; may He comfort the bereaved. To all of us may He give strength and wisdom which, I believe, will help us to defeat evil.

ALEXY, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA

September 13, 1999