Minsk, April 12, 2011
Metropolitan Filaret of Minsk and Byelorussia expressed his condolences to the families of the dead and to all Byelorussian people, with regard to the terrorist act in the Minsk metro [subway].
"Bewilderment and sorrow for innocent bloodshed grip all hearts with the news about the victims of the explosion in the Minsk metro. Peaceful citizens of our capital were wounded and killed after their working day which they had spent for the benefit of their city and country," Metropolitan Filaret says in his address published at the website of the Byelorussian Orthodox Church.
Metropolitan Filaret prays that God grant rest to the souls of the dead, recovery to the wounded, and help to those "whose professional skills are so much needed today to cure the dreadful consequences of the tragedy." He believes that "God will give strength to the relatives of the victims and to us all, so that in our spiritual alertness and prayer we could give help to those in trouble."
At the blessing of Metropolitan Filaret, believers will pray for the dead and wounded in all Byelorussian churches over the next 40 days.
According to recent data, 12 people lost their lives in the terror act in the Minsk metro, and more than 150 were wounded.
