DECR chairman’s condolences over the wreck of ‘Star of the East’ cruise ship on the Yangtze River

In a message to the head of the People’s Republic of China’s directorate for religious affairs, Mr. Wang Zuoan, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate department for external church relations (DECR), expressed condolences over the wreck of the Star of the East cruise ship on the Yangtze River with hundreds of people on board. Below is the text of the message:

Your Excellency,

With pain in my heart I have heard the report about the wreck of the Star of the East cruise ship on the Yangtze River, with hundreds of people, Chinese citizens, on its board. Kindly accept my sincere condolences.

I deeply empathize with the families who have lost their relatives, loved ones and friends. Please convey them the words of consolation and support. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured and spiritual courage to the bereaved.

With condolences,

 

Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk

Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations

Moscow Patriarchate