Condolences of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill upon victims of terrorist attacks in Nigeria
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia expressed his condolences to the President of Nigeria, H. E. Goodluck Jonathan, upon the loss of dozens of people in a series of terrorist attacks within and near Christian churches in different regions of the country on Christmas celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar.
His Excellency Mr. Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Your Excellency:
Together with the people of Nigeria I mourn dozens of innocent people who fell victims of barbaric terrorist attacks near Christian churches on the day when Christmas divine services were celebrated.
The killings and persecution of Christians, and destruction of churches and the houses of believers have become systematic. Such crimes have cost the people of Nigeria dozens of human lives last year.
Violence against believers is aimed at the sowing of religious enmity among people who have lived as neighbours for centuries in the territory of many countries. I do hope that the state and religious leaders will be united in their desire to give the resolute rebuff to the evil that encroaches upon peaceful life of the Nigerians.
I express my sincere condolences to the families of the innocent victims and pray for the relief of their sufferings.
With deep condolences,
/+KIRILL/
PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA