Religious leaders worldwide condemn terrorist act in Moscow, voice support for Russian Orthodox Church

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexii II is receiving messages of condolences from religious leaders world-wide in connection with the terrorist act and hostage-taking in Moscow.

RIA Novosti learnt this on Monday from the Department of External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate.

The message by Catholicos of All Armenians Gagerin II reads: "Our church together with all peace-loving mankind condemns this act of terrorism, which is aimed against entire mankind".

On the day of liberation of hostages, Patriarch of Antioch and All Orient Ignatius IV turned to Alexii II with the words: "During these days with prayers and heartfelt anxiety I took to heart the sufferings of hundreds of innocent people taken hostage in Moscow. Today I was sincerely glad to hear they have been set free. With gratitude I turn to God, giver of all mercies and graces, and pray at the shrines of old Church of Antioch for the eternal rest of the hostages who have died at the hand of fanatics and for ridding the world of the destructive evil of terrorism".