Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ Kirill expressed Deep condolences to the families and friends of those killed in the terrorist attack in the Crocus City Hall near Moscow.

His Holiness is deeply saddened and shocked by the cruelty of this atrocity, and sincerely mourns together with the victims and relatives of the victims.

“I am deeply shocked by the terrorist attack that took place in the Crocus City Hall concert hall, which claimed many lives of civilians. The crime committed is striking in its cynicism and cruelty. I express my sincere condolences to you and mourn with you in my heart.”

Patriarch Kirill called on priests, rectors of churches and monasteries to increase vigilance, and also asked security forces to provide increased protection to churches and parishioners. This coming Sunday will be the so-called “Week of the Triumph of Orthodoxy”; on this Sunday, the first during Lent, thousands of believers go to the Liturgy to confess and receive communion. In this regard, the patriarch called for strengthening security measures, since churches are always crowded on this Sunday.

Patriarch Kirill prays for the repose of those killed and the healing of those wounded in the terrorist attack in Krasnogorsk.

“May the merciful God give rest to the souls of the dead, grant healing to the wounded and comfort all those affected by this terrible tragedy.”

On Sunday, the day of mourning, March 24, a funeral litany was served in all the churches of the country for all those innocently killed during the terrorist attack.