Letter of Sympathy to Archbishop Kondrusiewicz

06 Sep 2004

Ara Coeli

Cathedral Road

BT617QY

Archbishop Tadeusz Kondiusiewia,

Nov. Basmannaja 16 kv.31,

Box 116,

107078 Moskva,

Russia.

6 September 2004.

Dear Archbishop Kondrusiewicz,

After our happy meeting in Armagh last January, it is now with great sadness that I write to you on behalf of the Irish Bishops’ Conference. I wish to convey my heartfelt sympathy and support to you and your brother bishops, priests and to the people of Russia during these painful days in the aftermath of the hostage taking and destruction of life that occurred last week during the Beslan school siege.

The taking of innocent life is never acceptable and when the victims are involuntarily involved and especially when they include children such acts of violence are totally reprehensible and shocking.

Our prayers are with the surviving children, parents and teachers who were directly involved in these terrible events. We also pray for those that died in the school siege.

We commend to the mercy of God those who perpetrated these acts of terror on such innocent and defenceless victims.

I avail of this opportunity to extend to you my cordial good wishes and esteem.

Yours in Jesus Christ.

Most Reverend Seán Brady

Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland

President of the Irish Bishops’ Conference

Further information: Martin Long Director of Communications (086 172 7678)