Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Russia expressed his condolences to President of Lebanon Michel Aoun and Patriarch John X of Antioch in connection with the death of people from the explosion in Beirut, according to a statement on the website of the Russian Orthodox Church.
A powerful explosion occurred near the port of Beirut on Tuesday evening. According to the authorities, the reason was improper storage of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate, half of the city's buildings were damaged, and hospitals are overcrowded due to the large number of victims. According to the latest data, the death toll was about 100 people, more than 4 thousand were injured. The government of Lebanon has declared three days of mourning for the victims of the tragedy.
"Please accept my deep condolences. I sincerely empathize with those who lost their relatives and friends. Please convey words of comfort and support to them, and wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured," the message reads.
Patriarch Kirill wished strength to doctors, rescue workers and "all those who are working to overcome the consequences of the tragedy".
"I pray to the Lord Jesus Christ, may he heal the injured, may he rest the souls of the dead, may he send comfort to their relatives and friends in their grief, and peace, prosperity and tranquility to Lebanon," the Head of the Russian Church summed up.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from RIA Novosti