His Holiness Patriarch Alexy extends condolences to Armenian President Robert Kocharian upon the crash of an Armenian airliner

His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia sent the following message of condolences to Armenian President Robert Kocharian over the plane crash on May 3, 2006, near Sochi.

To His Excellency Robert Kocharian
President of the Republic of Armenia

Your Excellency, Highly Esteemed Mr. President,

The sad report about the crash of an airliner near Sochi in which Armenians and Russians were killed resounded with pain in my heart.

The disaster that happened to the passengers is aggravated by the fact that among them there were many people and children who were flying for their vocations. Especially hard suffering has fallen to the lot of their families and friends. May the Lord help them to endure with dignity the trial that has befallen them.

In these days of grief and mourning, the Russian Orthodox Church, lifting up prayers for the rest of the victims’ souls, expresses condolence and support for you, Highly Esteemed Mr. President, the leaders of the country and all the Armenian people.

I trust and hope that you, the Government of the Republic, the rescue services and doctors will do all that is possible to relieve the pain of the bereaved families and friends.

May the Lord give you courage, patience and His all-powerful help in your further work in the office of President of the Republic of Armenia.

With sincere respect,

+Alexy
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia

• Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church extends condolences to the Supreme Patriarch-Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians upon the plane crash off Sochi
• His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II extends condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the plane crash on May 3, 2006
• His Holiness Patriarch Alexy extends condolences to Armenian President Robert Kocharian upon the crash of an Armenian airliner