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His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent his condolences to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey Rejep Taiip Erdogan and to His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople over destruction and dozens of victims caused by the earthquake in Turkey on March 8. The texts of the Patriarch’s messages are given below.

To the Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey H.T. Rejep Taiip Erdogan

Your Excellency:

It was with grief that I received news of the earthquake in the southeast of Turkey that caused human victims and destruction.

On these tragic days the Russian Orthodox Church shares the sorrow that has befallen the people of Turkey. We mourn for the victims with you. Our hearts are with their near and dear and with all those who suffered because of the natural cataclysm.

I am confident that the Turkish authorities are doing anything possible to overcome the consequences of the natural calamity.

I wish your strong spirit, courage, and patience.

With profound condolences,

+ KIRILL

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia


To His Holiness Bartholomew,

Archbishop of Constantinople – the New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch

Your Holiness, beloved in the Lord Brother and Concelebrant:

During the salutary season of Lent I send You this brotherly message, being grieved over the earthquake in eastern Turkey that claimed over fifty human lives and caused physical and mental suffering to many people.

I express my condolences to Your Holiness over this tragedy and, together with You, offer up prayers to the All-Merciful Lord for the soonest overcoming of the consequences of this natural calamity and for the recovery of the wounded.

With brotherly love in the Lord,

+ KIRILL

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia