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In his message to His Holiness Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the Throne of St. Mark in All Africa and the Middle East, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia expressed condolences over the pogroms committed in Giza, Egypt, in which Coptic churches were damaged and 12 people were killed. Below is the text of the message.

Your Holiness,

The Paschal joy over the resurrection of Christ has been darkened by sad reports coming from the Egyptian province of Giza. The criminal actions committed on May 7 and 8 carried away the lives of our Christian brothers and damaged Coptic churches. We share the pain of the tragedy with you and your flock and express heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims of this barbaric attack.

The Russian Orthodox Church has raised her voice already on several occasions in defence of Christians in the countries in which they are subjected to oppression and violations of their fundamental rights to life and religious freedom. And today we call the Egyptian authorities, the leaders of Islamic communities in the country and the world community to resolutely and unambiguously put an end to the violence against the Christian minority which has been historically present in the Egyptian land.

Sharing the pain of the Coptic Church, we pray for the repose of those who were killed and for the establishment of a lasting civic peace in Egypt.

With love in risen Christ,

+ Kirill

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia