Patriarchal condolences to President of Turkey over terrorist attack in Gaziantep

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia expressed his condolences to Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Turkey, over the terrorist attack committed in Gaziantep. The text of the message is given below.

Your Excellency, Dear Mr. President,

I was grieved to learn about the terrorist attack committed in Gaziantep during a wedding celebration. As the result of the tragedy, over fifty people died and dozens of people were injured. Please accept my profound condolences.

It is not the first time that the terrorists try to sow fear among the civilian population and thus to impose their evil will on the authorities. It is my conviction that the consolidated position of the government and the citizens, including representatives of traditional religious communities, will be an effective response to the spread of violence.

May the Merciful Lord grant consolation and fortitude to the relatives and friends of the victims and the soonest recovery to the injured.

Yours sincerely,

+KIRILL

PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA