His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus Sends His Condolences to Russian President Vladimir V. Putin

From the Editors; The Chancery of His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus reported to the Editors of the Synodal web page that His Eminence calls upon all the clergy and the God-loving flock of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia to include a special supplication in their services: "for the innocent Orthodox Christians killed by Agarians." With the blessing of His Eminence, the rectors of parishes and monasteries and the children of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia are serving pannikhidas (services of commemoration) for those killed during the terrorist act in North Ossetia and are praying for those who were wounded, for their families, and for our suffering people:

September 3, 2004

Your Excellency, Deeply-respected Vladimir Vladimirovich!

It was with horror that I followed the chain of events in North Ossetia and hasten to express, on behalf of the bishops, clergy and children of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, profound empathy to all our compatriots. During these days of the observance of the Dormition of the Mother of God, the thoughts and prayers of the Russian Church Abroad are with those who suffered, with their families and all of our God-preserved compatriots. We pray for the repose of the souls of those who were killed in this wicked act, in which those who seized the school in Beslan showed no mercy to innocent children. May the Lord "grant strength to His people," as the Prophet and Psam-singer David said, in order to overcome this sorrow and its aftermath.

+ Laurus
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia